Kuala lumpur: Malaysia, serving as the ASEAN Chair, has expressed its appreciation to United States President Donald Trump for his pivotal role and unwavering commitment in supporting the peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim praised Trump's efforts at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where the peace accord was signed.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar emphasized the regional bloc's gratitude for Trump's engagement, highlighting his concern and determination in fostering peace and stability. Anwar recounted a personal call from Trump encouraging further support for the peace initiative and acknowledged Trump's direct communication with both the Thai and Cambodian Prime Ministers to expedite the peace process.
In a significant moment, Anwar and Trump witnessed the signing of the KL Peace Accord by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet. This event took place on the sidelines of the ongoing ASEAN Summit. Key figures attending the ceremony included Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, US State Secretary Marco Rubio, and US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan.
Prime Minister Anwar lauded both Anutin and Hun Manet for their dedication to peace efforts, emphasizing the importance of peace for regional prosperity. Anwar also extended thanks to Rubio, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Ambassador Kagan for facilitating President Trump's maiden visit to Malaysia.
The longstanding border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, spanning 817 kilometers, had recently escalated into military tensions on July 24. However, a crucial meeting facilitated by Anwar in Putrajaya on July 28, attended by Manet and then Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, helped defuse the situation. The ceasefire, hailed as a significant ASEAN achievement, averted a broader military conflict and safeguarded civilian lives.
As the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, running from today until October 28.