PETALING JAYA: Thailand and Cambodia must return to diplomacy to de-escalate rising tensions over their border dispute, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
In a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during the 14th Meeting of Asean Ministers on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication in Bangkok on Thursday (Dec 11), Ahmad Zahid said he had conveyed Malaysia's concerns about the current situation.
"Malaysia is deeply concerned about the current situation and hopes that all efforts toward a resolution can be carried out for the safety of civilians and the stability of the region.
"In line with the position of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, I stated that all parties must prioritise the safety of the people and return to diplomatic channels and adherence to international law to ease the increasingly worrying situation.
"Malaysia also hopes that both countries will remain committed to ensuring that the ceasefire is respected and to fully implementing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord to guarantee the safety of communities on both sides of the border," he said in a statement.
More than 500,000 people have fled their homes to safety in Thailand and Cambodia since the start of a reignited border conflict, both governments said, surpassing the total number evacuated during similar clashes earlier this year.
Cambodia also withdrew from the SEA Games on Wednesday (Dec 10) owing to the border conflict.
Both sides have blamed each other for instigating the renewed fighting.
On another matter, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia and Thailand both emphasised their commitment to strengthening cooperation in cross-border disaster response and preparedness, as well as in other areas.
"As agreed previously, both countries will enhance the sharing of meteorological data, early warning systems, inter-agency coordination, and joint training in facing risks of floods, storms, and other disasters that are becoming more challenging due to climate change.
"During this meeting, Malaysia and Thailand also discussed the potential expansion of cooperation in the field of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), particularly skills training in the manufacturing, agriculture, and digital technology sectors, as well as student and lecturer mobility programs.
"This cooperation will help increase employment opportunities, strengthen human capital development, and support economic growth in both countries.
"In addition, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in the halal industry, including the development of the halal value chain, investment in halal products, and joint export opportunities.
"Malaysia welcomes Thailand’s interest in exploring the halal sector more comprehensively, given the rising global demand," he said.
