ASEAN Leaders Want Malaysia To Continue As Mediator In Thailand-Cambodia Conflict

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- All ASEAN member state leaders have agreed that Malaysia should continue playing the role of mediator in resolving the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier this morning contacted all ASEAN leaders before receiving a courtesy call from the Thai and Cambodian delegations in Kuala Lumpur for the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting at the Malaysian Armed Forces' Wisma Perwira.

Saifuddin Nasution said all the ASEAN leaders or heads of state contacted expressed their support for Malaysia’s role in mediating the conflict between the two neighbouring ASEAN countries.

“All agreed that the current bilateral mechanism is sufficient for now, while also agreeing that there will be another round of discussions after today’s meeting,” he told a press conference after the meeting.

Also present were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.

Saifuddin Nasution said Malaysia appreciates the determination and willingness shown by the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand in seeking a resolution to their conflict.

"In today's meeting, the heads and members of the delegations from both countries truly upheld the principles long practised at the ASEAN level, namely consultation and dialogue based on trust and mutual respect," he said.

He said the meeting reflects the shared understanding that a ceasefire is not merely a pause, but a promise to protect lives, to uphold dignity and to prevent further suffering.

"That promise must be honoured through our commitment, effective monitoring and sincere political will from both sides. We are proud to see that both sides have given this commitment throughout the meetings in the last few days.

"In ASEAN, we believe in resolving disputes through consensus, non-confrontation, trust, mutual respect, and the spirit of non-interference. We strengthen our regional unity. This ASEAN spirit has guided us today, and will continue to guide us in the days ahead," he said.

Saifuddin Nasution said Malaysia, as a host, is deeply honoured to support both parties in this process and stands ready to offer any assistance needed in facilitating talks, building confidence and supporting practical mechanisms for monitoring the ceasefire.

In today’s meeting, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to strictly observe a ceasefire along their shared border, with both sides maintaining current troop positions while also refraining from any further reinforcements.

According to the issued Agreed Minutes of the meeting, both sides must avoid unprovoked firing towards the other side's positions or troops, which may escalate tensions.

The meeting was co-chaired by Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Tea Seiha and Thailand’s Acting Minister of Defence General Nattaphon Narkphanit.

Also present as observers were Saifuddin Nasution, Adly and Mohd Nizam from Malaysia, as well as United States Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.

-- BERNAMA