The member countries deplored the loss of lives and damage to social, economic as well as environmental assets caused by the floods from heavy incessant rains over the past months, according to a press release from the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry received here Saturday.
A series of natural disasters recently affected a number of ASEAN countries, among others, Cambodia, Lao PDR, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
ASEAN member states wished the bereaved families of the victims and those currently affected by the floods would be given strength and comfort in facing these disasters.
"They believe that the governments and peoples of the affected countries will rise from this disaster with strong spirit and resilience to resume normal life and to rebuild their communities," the statement said.
In this regard, the ASEAN member states also expressed their readiness to lend the affected countries support and assistance in a timely manner and in appropriate ways in accordance with the spirit of ASEAN solidarity.
The ASEAN member states further emphasized the importance of strong cooperation and coordination among ASEAN member states and believe that full implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) and the operation of the ASEAN coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Center) will play a significant role in enhancing the regional capacity on disaster management.
(A050/H-YH)
Editor: Suryanto
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