KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia convened the Special Emergency ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Sunday in response to the powerful earthquake that rocked Myanmar, according to a statement from the foreign ministry.

Chaired by Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan via video conference, the meeting was attended by ASEAN foreign ministers or their representatives, the statement said.

The officials expressed their condolences for the loss of life in the earthquake and pledged solidarity and support for the affected countries.

"The foreign ministers reaffirmed their strong support and solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand. They further stressed that the ASEAN family stands resolutely with Myanmar and Thailand in moving forward to address the impacts of the earthquake," said the statement.

"They agreed to further mobilize humanitarian assistance, which will be coordinated by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management with regular updates from the Secretary-General of ASEAN," the statement added.

They also reaffirmed the importance of a safe and conducive environment in Myanmar to ensure the delivery of lifesaving humanitarian assistance.

The ministers emphasized that during such challenging times, the member states stand in solidarity with one another, and resolved to help the families and communities affected by the earthquake and its impact.

The 7.9-magnitude earthquake, which hit Myanmar on Friday, has killed around 1,700 people, according to the latest report from local authorities. Enditem

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