KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Malaysia’s role as facilitator in the recent Thai-Cambodia border negotiations is a testament to the trust and strength underpinning the bilateral partnership between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, Thailand’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Lada Phumas, said.
"The ceasefire agreement, followed by the extraordinary Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 7, reflected not only Malaysia’s constructive diplomacy but also Thailand’s confidence in "a friend like Malaysia”, she said.
She made the remarks in her keynote address at the Thailand-Malaysia Strategic Dialogue, held on Friday and co-hosted by the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia.
On Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship, Lada pointed out that it presents a timely opportunity to advance regional priorities and strengthen Aseancentrality.
"Asean remains our common platform and shield. With Malaysia leading in 2025, we have the chance to promote unity in diversity with people at its core,” she said.
As Thailand’s Asean Chairmanship in 2028 will follow the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027, Lada said this offers a strategic opportunity for both countries to coordinate more closely.
"Together, we can ensure continuity in Asean's agenda, push forward connectivity projects, and deepen regional integration. We must also project a strong voice on the global stage to shape a prosperous future,” she added.
On Thailand-Malaysia Strategic Dialogue, Lada said discussions are expected to help guide the development of the Thailand-Malaysia Strategic Vision 2027.
She outlined three key areas of focus namely strengthening political trust through sustained dialogue, deepening economic resilience through trade, investment and innovation, and improving infrastructure and people-to-people mobility.
"By completing physical and logistics infrastructure and enhancing digital and border linkages, we can future-proof our economies and empower border communities,” she said.
Meanwhile, ISIS Malaysia Chairman Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah said building trust between Thailand and Cambodia will be a difficult but essential step following the border tensions.
He said while ceasefires had taken place and efforts to develop more coherent monitoring mechanisms were ongoing, the path ahead remained susceptible to risks, especially if political will falters.
He said Malaysia’s role in easing tensions last month, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with the support of other leaders, was far from routine, but driven by its commitment as Asean Chair and as a brotherly neighbour and friend to both Thailand and Cambodia
"There may be reasons for us not to take the next steps together, but there is always a greater reason to move forward together, hand in hand,” he said. - Bernama
