KUALA LUMPUR: With tensions still high at the Thailand-Cambodia border, Malaysia has welcomed the commitment and assurances from both countries to engage in dialogue to ensure the full and effective implementation of the KL Peace Accord.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the assurances were about the restoration of peace, security and stability in the border areas.
“I welcome the commitment of Cambodia and Thailand to ensure the removal of heavy and destructive weapons and equipment, as well as to coordinate and implement humanitarian de-mining in the border areas,” Anwar said in a statement on social media yesterday.
“I welcome the assurances of both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to avoid any further actions that are deemed provocative, and to take action to promote mutual confidence and trust,” said Anwar.
He also expressed his appreciation for the proactive role and constructive engagement of US President Donald Trump in promoting a peaceful resolution to the situation.
Thailand this week suspended a US-brokered ceasefire deal and demanded an apology over allegations that Cambodia had laid fresh landmines, which Cambodia denies.
Four Thai soldiers were reported injured after a PMN-2 landmine exploded during a patrol in Sisaket province, with one losing his right leg.
Both nations traded accusations of fresh border clashes this week.
Long-running tensions over a disputed border between the two South-East Asian nations erupted into five days of fighting in July, when at least 48 people were killed and an estimated 300,000 temporarily displaced.
Trump and Anwar then brokered the ceasefire.
“I spoke to the prime ministers of both countries and they’re doing great. I think they’re going to be fine,” Trump told reporters on Friday.
Anwar also revealed that he had spoken with his Thai and Cambodian counterparts, reiterating his stance that the dispute must be resolved peacefully.
On Thursday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia was prepared to host the talks between Thailand and Cambodia.
On Friday, Thailand said the landmine explosion will be investigated by Asean observers, after Mohamad said a regional team had reported that mines found at the site of the incident were new.
The KL Peace Accord was signed by Charnvirakul and Hun Manet, and witnessed by Anwar and Trump, on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit last month.
