Anwar, Trump witness signing of Thai-Cambodia peace deal

Thailand and Cambodia today signed a joint declaration on a peace deal dubbed the “KL Peace Accord”, marking a formal step toward halting hostilities and restoring peace along their disputed border.

The agreement 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.

The signing was witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as Asean chair, and United States President Donald Trump.

The declaration reinforces the ceasefire understanding reached in July following talks between the two countries.

It also formalises the establishment of an Asean Observer Team to monitor compliance and prevent renewed clashes in the border zones.

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 its theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.

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.

Malaysia, as this year’s Asean chair, is hosting the 47th Asean Summit from Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

De-escalation and monitoring

Speaking to the media yesterday, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said the withdrawal of heavy weapons by Thailand and Cambodia from border areas, as well as the removal and destruction of explosives or landmines, are among the key elements in the ceasefire agreement between the two countries.

He said the deal will also include the establishment of an Asean Observer Team to monitor the situation in the conflict-affected border region.

The initiative, according to Mohamad, aims to preserve the ceasefire that has been in place since July, following the agreement by both the Cambodian and Thai prime ministers at the time to halt hostilities.

“We want to ensure there are no further violations of the ceasefire. Since July 28, although the ceasefire has been implemented, there have been minor breaches - not involving firearms, but using slingshots,” he said.

Mohamad said Asean hopes the ceasefire will hold and called on both countries to continue dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution of their border demarcation issue.

Thanks to Trump

Meanwhile, Malaysia, as the Asean chair, expressed appreciation to Trump for his role and commitment in supporting efforts that led to the peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.

Anwar 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,” Anwar said after he, along with Trump, witnessed the inking of the peace deal.

Also present were Mohamad, Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and Defence Minister Khaled Nordin.

US State Secretary Marco Rubio and the country’s ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D Kagan, also attended the historic ceremony.

Anwar also commended Anutin and Hun Manet for their commitment to achieving peace.

“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.

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

- Bernama

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