Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs has urged all parties in Myanmar to take shared responsibility in ensuring humanitarian aid efforts, emphasizing that the disaster could serve as a turning point to end violence and set aside differences.

On the morning of March 30, at Malaysia’s request - as ASEAN’s 2025 Chair - ASEAN foreign ministers held an emergency meeting to discuss recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand.

Attending the virtual meeting were foreign ministers and representatives of ASEAN member states, the foreign minister of Timor Leste, the ASEAN Secretary-General, and the Executive Director of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre).

Authorized by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet represented Vietnam at the session.

The foreign ministers of Thailand and Myanmar provided updates on the extensive damages caused by the earthquake. As of this morning, Myanmar has reported 1,644 deaths and the collapse or destruction of hundreds of buildings and infrastructure, including hospitals, offices, and public facilities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ headquarters in Nay Pyi Taw was among the damaged structures, forcing staff to work outdoors.

On March 29, ASEAN foreign ministers issued a joint statement emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance for Myanmar and pledging full support for recovery efforts.

Expressing heartfelt condolences and solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand, ASEAN members reaffirmed their unity and commitment to standing by both nations. Several countries announced plans to send aid and deploy search and rescue teams to Myanmar.

The ministers agreed to maximize the effectiveness of ASEAN’s emergency response mechanisms, especially through the AHA Centre and the ASEAN Secretary-General. They also discussed mobilizing additional international support and resources.

ASEAN has already activated key response tools, deploying expert teams to Myanmar and preparing essential aid supplies.

Several member states called for an immediate end to violence in Myanmar to facilitate relief efforts. They emphasized that such cooperation could pave the way for dialogue and reconciliation, laying a foundation for recovery and national rebuilding.

Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet conveyed Vietnam’s deep sympathy and condolences to Myanmar and Thailand on behalf of the government and people of Vietnam. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to supporting both countries during this difficult time.

Vietnam is currently preparing emergency aid, including essential supplies and equipment, while deploying over 100 personnel from the Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Public Security to assist with search and rescue operations.

Deputy Minister Viet stressed the need for ASEAN to reinforce its central role in coordinating response efforts, particularly in times of crisis. He emphasized making full use of existing mechanisms such as the AHA Centre and the ASEAN Secretary-General and proposed close cooperation with Myanmar in developing long-term recovery and reconstruction plans.

He also urged all parties in Myanmar to take responsibility for ensuring that humanitarian aid can be delivered safely and without obstruction to all affected communities. Importantly, he noted that this tragic event could become an opportunity to end violence, set aside conflicts, and unite in relief efforts - ultimately bringing peace, stability, and development to Myanmar.

Today, a rescue mission led by the Ministry of National Defense with 80 officers and soldiers, and a separate team from the Ministry of Public Security with 25 members, departed for Myanmar.

The military rescue delegation includes a 30-member military medical unit under the General Department of Logistics and Engineering, a 30-member urban search and rescue engineering team from the Army Corps of Engineers, a search and rescue dog team with 9 handlers and 6 dogs from the Border Guard Command, and a command team of 11 people. The mission is led by Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Chief of the Standing Office of the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue, and Deputy Director of the Department of Search and Rescue.

The Ministry of Public Security’s rescue team is headed by Colonel Nguyen Minh Khuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue. It includes two foreign affairs officers and interpreters, one doctor, 22 officers, two search dogs, and specialized rescue equipment.

Tran Thuong