Statement by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on the situation in Myanmar
News story | Date: 17/04/2025 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In this period of Thingyan, the Foreign Minister of Norway, Mr. Espen Barth Eide, expresses his deepest sympathies and condolences to all those affected by the Earthquake of 28 March in Myanmar and hope that this time can be used to stop the violence and provide relief to the survivors.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the peoples of Myanmar following the earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025.
In this period of the Water Festival Thingyan and New Year in Myanmar, it is an occasion to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, and all the local responders who continue to do the heaviest lifting in assisting those affected.
I welcome the announced commitments of temporary unilateral ceasefires, and call on those armed actors in Myanmar who have not yet done so to do the same. I call on all parties to fully respect, extend and broaden these measures to allow safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Myanmar. I urge the SAC to stop airstrikes and for all armed actors to cease hostilities.
I fully support the efforts of the ASEAN and the UN in facilitating humanitarian delivery, their call for cessation of hostilities and for wider, inclusive dialogue among all Myanmar stakeholders, consistent with the objectives of ASEAN’s 5 Point Consensus and UNSCR2669. I assure our willingness to assist in those efforts. This is an opportunity for all parties to put the people of Myanmar at the centre.
May this new year bring hope and peace.