A full stop to border row

PUTRAJAYA: Today marks a new chapter in South-East Asian diplomacy as Thailand and Cambodia executed an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

This pivotal agreement, facilitated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, represents a significant stride towards peace amid recent border tensions.

“This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” Anwar said after a special meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

ALSO READ: Cambodia and Thailand agree to ceasefire, says Anwar

Malaysia hosted the meeting, which lasted for about one and a half hours, as both facilitator and official witness, following requests from Bangkok and Phnom Penh for mediation, amid heightened concerns over recent military activity along the Thai-Cambodian border.

US ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan and Chinese ambassador Ouyang Yujing were also in attendance, in a show of support, with the United States as co-organiser and China as observer.

Fruitful resolution: Anwar (centre), Hun Manet (left) and Phumtham (right) at a special meeting, which saw Cambodia and Thailand agreeing to a ceasefire. US ambassador Kagan (foreground, second from left) and Chinese ambassador Ouyang (foreground, right) were also in attendance at the meeting held in Seri Perdana. — Bernama

Both Washington and Beijing have urged restraint and encouraged a diplomatic solution to the growing tensions.

Following the ceasefire agreement, Anwar said a series of strategic meetings have been initiated to solidify peace. 

Today will see regional military commanders engage in informal discussions, with potential participation from Asean defence attaches, to ensure the ceasefire’s efficacy.

A General Border Committee meeting is also scheduled for Aug 4 in Cambodia to address long-term solutions to border disputes.

Anwar added that Malaysia will coordinate an Asean observer team to monitor and verify the ceasefire implementation.

Consultations with fellow Asean member states are also planned to expand regional support, he said.

“Direct communication channels between the Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand will be re-established immediately,” he said, highlighting the collaborative approach to maintaining peace.

Anwar noted that the collaborative effort extends beyond regional borders, with international stakeholders actively supporting the peace process. 

“US President Donald J. Trump has reached out to urge a peaceful resolution while China continues to engage diplomatically, fostering dialogue and encouraging adherence to the agreement,” he said.

He added that the Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand have been instructed to develop a detailed mechanism for the implementation, verification and reporting of the ceasefire.

“This mechanism will serve as a foundation for sustained peace and accountability.

“The meeting reaffirms the shared resolve of Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand to uphold the principles of inter­natio­nal law, peaceful co-­existence and multilateral  coo­peration in the pursuit of a just and lasting resolution to the situation,” he added.

Anwar had earlier said both Thailand and Cambodia had approached Malaysia to mediate the talks, with an immediate ceasefire being the foremost agenda item.

He said the discussion between the two leaders came about after Trump called for a solution to the crisis.