KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will extend its full cooperation to the newly appointed Chief of the Peace Dialogue Panel for the Royal Thai Government, Thanut Suvarnananda, in ongoing efforts to bring stability to Southern Thailand, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic).
Speaking to reporters following an official visit from his Thai counterpart, Lieutenant General Adul Boonthumjaroen on Tuesday (July 14), Mohamed Khaled welcomed the appointment, expressing hope that it would inject fresh momentum into the regional peace process.
“We are well aware of recent incidents in the region, and we believe this appointment will help pave the way for peace and stability in Southern Thailand. Malaysia will continue to offer its unwavering support toward this goal,” he said.
The minister emphasised that while Malaysia remains committed to helping its neighbour, it strictly respects Thailand's sovereignty regarding its internal security.
"Incidents such as the recent bomb attacks in Southern Thailand are domestic matters. We must not interfere directly, as they fall under Thailand's sovereign jurisdiction," Mohamed Khaled clarified.
“However, when it comes to the peace talks, Thailand has explicitly requested our assistance. Malaysia’s government facilitator for the Southern Thailand Peace Dialogue, Datuk Rabin Basir, will continue his role in bringing the relevant parties to the negotiating table.”
Beyond the peace talks, both nations have pledged to enhance bilateral cooperation to curb cross-border crimes, including smuggling and illegal border crossings.
