The ASEAN Foreign Ministers have issued a statement voicing their concern over the evolving situation and armed hostilities in Ukraine.

The Association of South East Asian Nations statement was made on 26 February in light of the invasion by Russian forces and the ongoing crisis in the country that lies on Russia’s southern border.

The ministers said they “call on all relevant parties to exercise maximum restraint and make utmost efforts to pursue dialogues through all channels, including diplomatic means to contain the situation, to deescalate tensions, and to seek peaceful resolution in accordance with international law, the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.”

“We believe that there is still room for a peaceful dialogue to prevent the situation from getting out of control. For peace, security, and harmonious co-existence to prevail, it is the responsibility of all parties to uphold the principles of mutual respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and equal rights of all nations,” the statement says.

The statement came shortly after Myanmar – an ASEAN member – voiced support for the Russian invasion, claiming it was appropriate to Russia to protect its sovereignty. The Myanmar junta made a statement in Burmese and in Russian voicing their support for the Russian government action. Russia is an important arms supplier to the Myanmar military.

ASEAN, the 10-nation bloc, is currently chaired by Cambodia.