Bangkok (VNA) – Secretary-Generalof the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn has pledgedto support efforts to combat transboundary haze pollution in the region.

Hazardous haze affecting several ASEANmember countries was one of the issues discussed by the ASEAN leader and ThaiPrime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during their meeting in Bangkok on March 30 aspart of the former’s ongoing visit to Thailand from March 29 to April 1.

The Thai PM underlined that transboundaryhaze crisis has posed a serious regional challenge that needs an urgentsolution

The problem has caused a health hazard anddisruption to tourism not only in Thailand but also in neighbouring countries, hesaid, asking for the ASEAN leader’s coordinate efforts to tackle the problemand hold an urgent meeting with member countries to discuss a solution,particularly measures to reduce hotspots in the region.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn agreedthat the issue needs to be addressed urgently. He said that ASEAN has a set ofmechanisms to secure cooperation from member countries.

ASEAN is ready to provide support forconcrete and timely cooperation, he stated.

At the meeting, the two sides alsodiscussed issued related to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP), digital transformation, climate change and the volatility of the globaleconomy./.