"There are a lot of initiatives towards handling post disaster situations in the Southeast Asian region and Indonesia plays an important role in generating some of the initiatives," she noted.
The former British Secretary of State for International Development also expressed appreciation towards the establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center) during Indonesia`s ASEAN chairmanship in 2011.
She said the AHA Center would be UN`s important partner in tackling natural-disaster related affairs in Southeast Asia and the world.
"We have witnessed a strong leadership from Indonesia in the region and hope it continues in the future," she added.
ASEAN countries have been hit by natural disasters such as floods, landslides and earthquakes in recent years. The establishment of the AHA Center is expected to increase ASEAN`s awareness and capacity in handling post-disaster situations.
(T.A051/INE/KR-BSR/B003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
