Asean calls for joint natural disaster strategies as regional exercises kick off
His remarks were made at the opening ceremony of the Asean Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise 2025 (Ardex-25), held at the Special Forces Command in Phnom Penh on Tuesday (July 22).
'Asean is highly susceptible to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis and storms. These disasters have caused severe impacts on lives, living conditions and socio-economic development.
"These challenges require collective, wide-ranging approaches that go beyond the capacity of any single country,' said Kim, who serves as first vice-president of the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) and is chairing Ardex-25.
Speaking on behalf of Cambodia — a country which is vulnerable to such disasters — he underlined the importance of proactive preparedness and timely response. The Cambodian government has implemented a National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024–2028, a National Early Warning Map, strategic plans and various other policies to strengthen national disaster management capacities.
He noted that the simulation exercises will significantly contribute to implementing Cambodia's national action plan and serve as a strong indicator of the country's commitment to Asean's socio-cultural community resilience through enhanced regional cooperation.
Kim also recognised the critical role of the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) as a key operational mechanism that coordinates Asean 's collective disaster response efforts.
He stated that Ardex-25 is not merely a simulation but a vital step in deepening the implementation of the Asean Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER).
He added that it is an essential opportunity to test the effectiveness of Asean's Standard Operating Procedures (SASOP) for regional readiness and coordinated disaster response.
He expressed strong hope that this simulation would provide valuable lessons, laying the groundwork for further strengthening disaster management systems, sharing experiences, raising awareness and fostering closer bonds among Asean member states and international partners.
This will help build a resilient Asean community, equipped with the resources, capabilities and protocols needed for rapid and effective response to emergencies — including search and rescue, humanitarian aid, joint assessments and efficient recovery efforts.
The three-day regional simulation exercise, taking place from July 22 to 24, includes the participation of key figures such as Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of Asean, Kim Virak, secretary-general of the NCDM and chair of the Asean Committee on Disaster Management 2025 (ACDM 2025), Igor Driesmans, EU ambassador to Cambodia and Lee Yam Ming, executive director of the AHA Centre, as well as distinguished representatives from various ministries and embassies in Cambodia.
Alongside them are senior officials from relevant ministries and institutions, foreign military attachés, Asean member states, Asean dialogue partners, development agencies, domestic and international organisations, and other stakeholders.
Virak expressed appreciation for the presence of all delegates, saying it reflected a collective commitment to strengthen regional disaster response cooperation. He noted Cambodia's pride in hosting this major regional exercise.
The exercise is also testing the Asean Standard Operating Procedure for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Operations (SASOP) and the terms of reference for the Asean secretary-general as the Asean Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator. Ardex-25 comprises of table top, command post and field training exercises. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Focus Malaysia
9 minutes ago
- Focus Malaysia
Trump visit will cause traffic jam from hell, reckons home-grown stand-up comedian Jason Leong
US President Donald Trump's decision to visit during the ASEAN Summit in October appears to be a feather in Malaysia's diplomatic cap. However, not all Malaysians are so enamoured with the visit of the former TV reality star. One such citizen is well-known stand-up comedian Dr Jason Leong who opined that all roads leading to Kuala Lumpur, including byways, highways and even the small loose bitumen trail leading to your mother's house – will be closed. For a month as well before and after Trump's much ballyhooed visit, projected Leong who gave up his career as a doctor to focus on being a full-time stand-up comedian in 2014. The 40-year-old comic was obviously poking fun at the security measures that will be undertaken to ensure the safety of The Don while he's here. Leong foresees Trumps visit to KL would bring the entire capital city which is often gridlocked anyway to a complete and utter standstill. The post has already generated 1.2K likes, 390 comments and 87 shares at time of publication. Some commenters seemed confused by the need for a US leader to come calling at an ASEAN shindig. More than a few saw the similarities with the pandemic, claiming that the authorities might as well just declare an MCO (movement control order). It'd certainly save the hassle of being stuck in traffic for hours. Better still, just declare public holiday as seems to be the typical SOP (standard operating procedure) in Malaysia. One observer wanted a tit-for-tat response to implementation of US tariffs on Malaysian exports, taxing the special presidential ride (codenamed The Beast). However, one did see a positive side to the whole affair. Malaysians will be getting better roads as the route will be patched up to be good as new. Modifying Trump's much trumpeted 'MAGA' (Making America Great Again) slogan, one commenter declared the US Commander in Chief had come to 'Make ASEAN Great Again'. So perhaps Malaysians should perhaps just bask in the privilege of such a visit. – Aug 2, 2025
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Malaysia gains global recognition for Asean diplomacy, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's success in uniting Asean and promoting peace in the region has earned it international respect, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said Malaysia's name is now held in high regard globally, especially due to its efforts in bringing Thailand and Cambodia to the negotiating table, leading to a ceasefire agreement. 'Malaysia's name is honoured around the world. 'People are now talking about Malaysia's success in uniting Asean and achieving peace and progress for all,' he said in his speech at the National Felda Settlers' Day Celebration and Rural Entrepreneurs' Carnival here on Saturday (Aug 2). 'Almost every day, we are still in contact. Just last night, I was speaking with several prime ministers, including Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia. 'I asked about the situation, and he said, 'Thank you very much Prime Minister, no more fighting,' but he asked for our help,' he added. Anwar said that Thai and Cambodian defence ministers are expected to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (Aug 4) to hold detailed discussions on peace efforts. He stressed that Malaysia's ability to play such a role is due to the country's stability and credibility. 'This is our capability. If this country were in chaos, with daily disputes and demands, who would come?' Anwar also revealed that United States President Donald Trump commended Malaysia's role in facilitating peace between the two Asean nations. 'With the United States, one of the first things President Donald Trump mentioned was, 'Prime Minister Anwar, fantastic work.' 'That was because of our success in bringing Thailand and Cambodia together to resolve and achieve a ceasefire and peace – something that is hard to achieve elsewhere.' Anwar added that he was proud as a Malaysian to see the country trusted by international partners. 'I am proud as a child of Malaysia because Malaysia is trusted by our friends.' He also reiterated Malaysia's firm stand on the rights of Palestinians and its consistent advocacy for justice and human rights on the global stage. 'Malaysia is among the most resolute countries in defending the territorial rights of Palestine and the struggle of its people. 'I am able to do this because we are united, because we understand the stance of our people who love peace and despise cruelty, murder, and colonisation. 'That is why we raise these issues in front of the President of the United States, in front of the Chancellor of Germany. 'At every forum, we continue to bring forward the issue of human rights and justice for all,' the Prime Minister added. He said Malaysia is only able to do this because of its internal strength. 'Why are we able to do this? Because this country is peaceful. Because this country and its government are strong. We must always be alert to attempts to weaken it. 'This country must remain united and strong to defend the dignity of its people,' he said.
Focus Malaysia
an hour ago
- Focus Malaysia
Cambodia plans to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize, but netizens ask why not Anwar?
CAMBODIA has announced plans to nominate former US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in brokering a ceasefire that ended recent border clashes with Thailand. Some netizens on X have, however, questioned the nomination of Trump, asking why they did not nominate Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instead. The five-day conflict left at least 45 dead and over 300,000 displaced. Trump threatened to block trade deals unless fighting stopped, prompting talks in Malaysia attended by US officials. Anwar chaired the truce talks, and his supporters hailed the moment as a massive accomplishment of the PM. A truce was soon reached. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol praised Trump's intervention, saying, 'He should get the Nobel, not only for his work on Cambodia but also elsewhere.' Cambodia plans to nominate President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize to recognize his help in reaching a cease-fire deal to end its recent border clashes with Thailand — The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) August 1, 2025 User @anxioustapir asked why not the Malaysian PM? 'Not Malaysia's PM?? He chaired the ceasefire agreement and literally sat between them and was on the phone with them constantly. All Trump did was wave tariff threats he was gonna do anyway.' Not Malaysia's PM @anwaribrahim?? He chaired the ceasefire agreement and literally sat between them, was on the phone with them constantly. All trump did was wave tarrif threats he was gonna do anyway. — Anxious for Msia (@anxioustapir) August 1, 2025 Another user @GraceOnFire2 also said it was Anwar who brokered the peace deal, adding that, 'Trump didn't have anything to do with it except extort Cambodia over tariffs in exchange for a BS peace prize nomination.' It was prime minister Anwar Ibrahim of Maylasia that brokered that peace deal. Trump didn't have anything to do with it except extort Cambodia over tariffs in exchange for BS peace prize nomination. — Beach Life (@GraceOnFire2) August 1, 2025 A critic of Anwar asked, sarcastically, 'Why not Anwar?' — Aug 2, 2025 Main photo credit: Getty Images
