Path to peace: Anwar discussing de-escalation with his Cambodian and Thai counterparts. — Photo courtesy of Anwar’s Facebook page
PETALING JAYA: The Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, to be held today, will serve as a crucial platform for Cambodia and Thailand to engage in open and constructive dialogue to ease rising tensions between the two countries, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the meeting would provide an opportunity for both sides to negotiate directly and resolve differences peacefully.
“The Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will serve as an appropriate and constructive platform for the two countries to engage in open negotiations and work towards a just and lasting solution,” he said.
The Prime Minister reiterated how important it is for Cambodia and Thailand to ease tensions and safeguard peace and stability in the Asean region.
“I have been in contact with the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand to exchange views and discuss the best way forward to de-escalate tensions between the two countries.
“It is important for both countries to uphold the spirit of dialogue, wisdom and mutual respect to bring an end to the tensions,” he said in a Facebook post.
Anwar added that continued engagement and constructive communication are crucial for regional security and for maintaining Asean unity.
Meanwhile, Wisma Putra said the special meeting of Asean Foreign Ministers on the latest situation between Cambodia and Thailand is a follow-up to the agreement reached by Anwar and the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand on Dec 11.
As Malaysia is the Asean Chair, the meeting will be chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Cambodia and Thailand are currently engaged in renewed border skirmishes, despite having signed the KL Peace Accord in October.
The accord was suspended by Thailand last month after its soldiers were wounded by landmines at the border.
Malaysia had earlier called on both Thailand and Cambodia to cease all forms of hostilities and refrain from any further military action, including the deployment of armed troops to the front lines, starting at 10pm on Dec 13.
Anwar had said the appeal was conveyed through separate telephone conversations with Thai caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, following his discussion with US President Donald Trump.
Under the peace accord, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to end hostilities and foster good neighbourly ties.
Thailand and Cambodia have long been in dispute over their 817km-long border.
