PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Cambodia have welcomed progress in discussions to finalise the Asean Operation Team (AOT) ahead of the upcoming 47th Asean Summit later this month, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, said the AOT would be the main mechanism in ensuring the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia was not violated.
“Asean chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has played an important role in facilitating the ceasefire implementation between Cambodia and Thailand.
“The establishment of the AOT will be the main mechanism in ensuring that the ceasefire agreement is implemented, as agreed by both countries,” said Ahmad Zahid in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 14).
The AOT comprises representatives from Asean member states and they will be deployed continuously on the ground to ensure no violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Ahmad Zahid also said Malaysia and Cambodia reaffirmed their shared aspiration to promote peace and stability in the region.
On Sunday, a four-party consultation involving Malaysia, the US, Thailand and Cambodia took place, and it was chaired by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Thailand and Cambodia are engaging in talks over disputes along their 817km border.
In July, over 40 people were killed when tensions between Thailand and Cambodia erupted into the deadliest military clashes in decades.
Ahmad Zahid is visiting Cambodia from Oct 13 to 15 and he participated in the 13th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management, where he said he had fruitful discussions with Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Se.
“Our dialogue was productive and forward-looking. We affirmed our shared commitment to strengthen cooperation in areas that directly benefit our peoples, including trade and investment, labour, education, agriculture, digital economy and tourism,” he said.
According to Ahmad Zahid, total trade between Malaysia and Cambodia exceeded US$750mil from January till August this year. This is a 45% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
“Both sides are confident that bilateral trade will exceed US$1bil by 2026.
“Malaysia remains as one of the main investors in Cambodia and we want to expand cooperation in digital connectivity, renewable energy and the agro-food industry,” said Ahmad Zahid.
Ahmad Zahid expressed appreciation to the Cambodian government for supporting and assisting Malaysian investors there.
“Malaysian companies have invested significantly in crucial sectors such as telecommunications, banking and manufacturing, which also contribute not only to bilateral trade, but also to the growth and prosperity of the Cambodian economy,” he added.
At the same time, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia and Cambodia explored new areas of cooperation, such as the halal industry.
“Malaysia can share its own experience, certification expertise, the development of Halal industrial parks, and best practices to help Cambodia build a strong and credible ecosystem, within the framework of establishing the Asean Halal Council,” it said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia will continue to protect the welfare of Cambodian workers while expanding opportunities for Cambodian workers to be based in Malaysia, especially in the TVET field.
“Education and training will continue to serve as an important bridge for mutual understanding and shared progress,” he added.
