KUALA LUMPUR: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles has expressed his appreciation to Malaysia for its leadership as Asean Chair and in mediating a ceasefire to Cambodia-Thailand border conflict.
"As Asean Chair, Malaysia will continue to coordinate and consult with Asean member states to ensure the ceasefire's full implementation.
"This underscores Malaysia's steadfast commitment to the rule of law, peaceful coexistence, and multilateral cooperation in the pursuit of a just and lasting resolution," according to a joint statement issued after the 5th Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee (HLC) Meeting here on Thursday (Aug 21).
The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Marles.
Cambodia and Thailand agreed to end their armed clashes along the border during a special meeting in Putrajaya on July 28.
The ceasefire talks, initiated by Malaysia and observed by the United States and China, were aimed at swiftly de-escalating tensions and safeguarding regional stability.
Cambodian and Thai officials attended the General Border Committee meeting on Aug 7 in Kuala Lumpur, followed by the Regional Border Committee meeting involving top military officials in Trat Province in Thailand last Saturday.
Both sides are now working towards formalising a lasting ceasefire after the recent hostilities linked to disputed and unmarked border areas. - Bernama
