'Good job' – US secretary of state commends M'sia for chairing Asean

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has hailed Malaysia for doing “a good job” in chairing this year’s Asean.

He reiterated that Asean is the pre-eminent forum through which the US seeks to engage with the region.

“I think Malaysia has done a good job of chairing it this year.

“We used that chairmanship where we were able to work with that chairmanship to de-escalate and ultimately end the Cambodia-Thailand conflict.

“In fact, we’re hopeful that something will be signed here (in Kuala Lumpur),” he told reporters travelling on his plane to Kuala Lumpur.

His statement was shared on the US Department of State’s website.

Accord signing

A joint declaration on a ceasefire is expected to be signed today between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as Asean chair, and US President Donald Trump will be witnessing the signing.

Thailand and Cambodia have long been in dispute over their 817km 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 living on both sides of the border.

Malaysia is hosting the 47th Asean Summit from Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The Philippines will be the Asean chair next year.

- Bernama

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