KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign ministers and senior officials from Asean have arrived for a special meeting to address the ongoing situation between Cambodia and Thailand.
Media personnel gathered as early as 8am Monday (Dec 22) in the vicinity of the meeting area.
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Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who was accompanied by ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, arrived at 10.42am.
Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow was seen arriving at about 10.25am.
Singapore's Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan arrived at 10.40am.
There was heavy security presence in the area.
Wisma Putra said in a statement on Sunday (Dec 21) that the special meeting was being convened pursuant to the decision of the prime ministers of Malaysia (as Asean Chair this year), Cambodia and Thailand on Dec 11.
It said that the meeting will provide a platform for the foreign ministers to exchange views on the current situation.
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The meeting would also weigh possible steps for Asean to support ongoing efforts towards the de-escalation and cessation of hostilities in the interest of peace and stability between the two member states and the wider region.
Wisma Putra said convening the special meeting reflects the commitment of Asean member states to unity and solidarity, as well as the grouping's centrality in maintaining peace, security, stability and prosperity in this region, in accordance with the Asean Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia (TAC).
Renewed fighting between the two neighbours this month has killed at least 22 people in Thailand and 19 in Cambodia, according to officials.
