CEBU (Philippines)/BANGKOK (Bernama): Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Cambodia and Thailand had renewed efforts to ease border tensions, with "some agreements” reached between the two countries.
Speaking to the media after a trilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit, Marcos said both sides reaffirmed the importance of restraint and constructive dialogue in resolving the issue amicably.
"During this meeting, many subjects were covered, some agreements were reached, and ways forward were discussed.
"There were candid discussions on the border situation between Cambodia and Thailand. I believe this was possible because of a very clear, fervent belief by both leaders that it is time for peace and no longer the time for war,” he said.
Marcos said the two prime ministers had agreed to task their respective foreign ministers with maintaining open and candid dialogue, including discussing constructive approaches to preventing escalation and safeguarding peace and stability.
He said the meeting also reaffirmed the role of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) in monitoring and reporting on the implementation of agreements reached by both sides.
"We welcome the extension of the AOT’s mandate for another three months until July this year,” he said.
Marcos said the Philippines remains committed to fulfilling its role as coordinator of the AOT and will continue to offer its good offices to support sustained dialogue and cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand.
Meanwhile, Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law and existing agreements, including the commitments outlined in the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on Oct 26, 2025.
He also expressed appreciation for the role of the AOT and thanked Asean member states for their continued support and contributions, while welcoming the Philippines’ assumption of leadership of the team from Malaysia.
Manet said Cambodia remained committed to extending full cooperation to strengthen the role of the AOT.
"Cambodia believes this is a peaceful path towards a fair solution for both parties,” he said in the media conference.
In BANGKOK, Thai government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said Anutin had reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to work constructively with all parties based on mutual understanding, mutual respect and shared interests.
She said the prime minister viewed the meeting as "an important step towards creating an environment conducive to peace and regional cooperation”.
"The discussions focused on the Thailand-Cambodia situation and were constructive, candid and forward-looking, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to dialogue and peace,” she said in a statement.
Anutin also called for more direct communication at all levels between the two countries to narrow gaps in understanding and explore broader cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.
-- BERNAMA
