All for strong bilateral ties: Ahmad Zahid (left) calling on Hun Manet on the sidelines of the 13th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Cambodia have welcomed progress in discussions to finalise the Asean Operation Team (AOT) ahead of the upcoming 47th Asean Summit, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the AOT will be the main mechanism in ensuring the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia is not violated.
“Asean, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has played an important role in facilitating the implementation of a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.
“The establishment of the AOT will be the main mechanism in ensuring the ceasefire agreement is implemented, as agreed by both countries,” he said in a statement.
The AOT comprises representatives from Asean member states and they will be deployed on the ground to ensure no violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Ahmad Zahid 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 United States, Thailand and Cambodia took place and was chaired by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Thailand and Cambodia are engaging in talks over disputes along their 817km border.
Ahmad Zahid, who is in Cambodia for a working visit, participated in the 13th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management and held discussions with Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen.
“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.
Total trade between Malaysia and Cambodia exceeded US$750mil (RM3.2bil) from January till August this year, a 45% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Ahmad Zahid said both countries are confident that bilateral trade will exceed US$1bil (RM4.2bil) 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,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed appreciation to the Cambodian government for assisting Malaysian investors there, in sectors such as telecommunications, banking and manufacturing.
“This contributed not only to bilateral trade, but also to the growth and prosperity of the Cambodian economy,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia and Cambodia are also exploring new areas of cooperation, such as the halal industry.
“We will continue to protect the welfare of Cambodian workers while expanding opportunities for its workers to be based in Malaysia, especially in the TVET field,” he added.
