The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, has followed with great concern the news about the loss of lives and property damage caused by Typhoon Feng Shen (Frank), and the more recent capsizing of ferry M/V Princess of the Stars in the Philippines.

Dr Surin expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the typhoon victims, including the victims in the capsized ferry, in letters to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alberto G. Romulo, on 24 June 2008.

Dr Surin called for the solidarity of ASEAN peoples to work closely together and help one another to alleviate the devastating impact of these disasters.