KUALA LUMPUR - Observers from ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, will be deployed under the peace deal signed by Cambodia and Thailand today, said United States President Donald Trump.
"(That is to) make sure that the peace prevails and endures, and I have no doubt that it will,” he said before witnessing the signing of the Cambodia-Thailand peace deal here today.
Also witnessing the signing was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The agreement, dubbed as "KL Peace Accord”, was signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur which began today.
Apart from that, Trump said under the peace deal, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to cease all hostilities and work to build good, neighbourly relationships with each other.
"Eighteen Cambodian prisoners of war will (also) be released,” he said.
The peace deal marks a milestone in ASEAN’s regional diplomacy, reflecting the bloc’s commitment to conflict prevention, stability and cooperation under Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship with the theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
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 Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. - BERNAMA