Malaysia, ASEAN Thank Trump For Support In Cambodia-Thailand Peace Effort - PM Anwar

By Muhammad Faiz Baharin

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, has expressed appreciation to the United States President Donald Trump for his role and commitment in supporting efforts that led to the peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the regional bloc welcomed Trump’s concern, empathy and determination to promote peace and stability in the region.

“When I first received your call, urging me to do more in supporting the (peace) initiative, and you personally called both Prime Ministers (Thai and Cambodian) to urge for a speedy peace settlement, I would say thank you. 

“And we, of course, admire your tenacity and courage because the world needs leaders who promote peace strongly,” he said after, along with Trump, witnessing Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, inked the peace deal, dubbed KL Peace Accord, on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, which began today.

Also present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The US State Secretary Marco Rubio and the country's Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan also attended the historic ceremony.

The Prime Minister also commended both Anutin and Hun Manet for their commitment to achieving peace between the two neighbouring countries.

“You both did a great job. We are delighted to have you as colleagues, as true friends. And you understand the need to secure peace to save our people. And also the ASEAN position as a region of peace and prosperity,” he said.

Anwar also thanked Rubio, United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Kagan for their efforts in facilitating the President’s maiden visit to Malaysia.

Thailand and Cambodia have long been in dispute over their 817-kilometre border, with recent tensions flaring into a military confrontation on July 24.

On July 28,  Anwar hosted a high-stakes meeting in Putrajaya between Manet and then Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, successfully defusing tensions along the two countries’ shared border.

The ceasefire, widely seen as a major ASEAN achievement, prevented a broader military escalation and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians.

Malaysia, as this year’s ASEAN Chair, is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit from today until Oct 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

-- BERNAMA