First of all, I would like to reiterate my sincerest thanks to the leaders, people and countries attending the ASEAN Pledging Conference on Myanmar. The 18th of August, 2021, is the day of the ASEAN Pledging Conference for Myanmar, and will be remembered as the day of pledging to save the lives of the people of Myanmar, who have suffered so much for so long. On behalf of the people of Myanmar, in this darkest moment in our history, I want to express my utmost thanks again from the bottom of my heart for all these acts of kindness and generosity, and at the same time, I want to bring the following five important points to your kind attention and consideration:

We have a triple crisis in Myanmar, and as part of ASEAN, the people of our country are looking to fellow ASEAN member countries for acts of kindness, empathy and generosity;

The most urgent matter is humanitarian response to the COVID-19 situation in our country, which is killing our people, and spilling across borders to our neighbours in the region;

The ASEAN Special Envoy must ensure that the COVID-19 crisis-response is neutral, for all the people of Myanmar, and not to be used as an instrument for political or violent manipulation;

Humanitarian assistance with food, medicines, and basic necessities is critically needed now in Myanmar, and the world’s eyes are on ASEAN to act in an urgent and decisive way. We, the people of Myanmar, will forever remember this generosity and kind acts;

The ASEAN Special Envoy role must also ensure the security of all people involved in the pandemic humanitarian response, as well as for that of humanitarian goods.

Sincerely,

H.E. Dr. Sasa
Union Minister of Ministry of International Cooperation
Spoke Person of Nation Unity Government
Former Special Envoy to United Nations