SINGAPORE - Singapore on Friday (Sept 8) urged all parties to the violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state to avoid aggravating the conflict, as it offered to work with Asean in rendering humanitarian aid to the victims.

The Republic is also prepared to work with Myanmar to support its efforts to restore peace and stability in Rakhine, where the violence has resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of homes and displacement of large numbers of people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement.

"The situation in Myanmar affects all Asean countries," the MFA said in the statement, adding that it was in the common interest of the region to resolve the crisis.

"As a close friend and fellow Asean neighbour, Singapore stands ready to support efforts by Asean to utilise the existing mechanisms to provide humanitarian assistance to the affected people in the Rakhine State, in accordance with the principles of the Asean Charter," the statement said.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) also extended Singapore's deepest condolences to the victims and their families.

"The situation in Rakhine State is a complex inter-communal issue with deep historical roots. All the parties involved must avoid actions that will further worsen the situation on the ground and work together to foster viable and long-term solutions, so that the affected communities can rebuild their lives," the MFA said in the statement, adding that the authories must ensure the safety of civilians.

It said that the Singapore Red Cross Society and the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF) have launched separate initiatives to raise funds for the affected communities. The Singapore Buddhist Federation has also expressed support for these efforts and the funds will be used to provide humanitarian aid to affect people, regardless of their ethnicity or religion, the statement said.