Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's Chief of Defence Forces, General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, is at the forefront of a diplomatic mission aimed at easing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. This initiative follows a crucial agreement by both nations to enforce an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ceasefire came into effect at midnight on July 28, after a special meeting orchestrated by Malaysia. The meeting successfully brought the Southeast Asian neighbors to the negotiation table amidst escalating tensions.

The negotiations, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya, were attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The two leaders agreed to the ceasefire following a period of rising tensions between their nations.

The root of the conflict lies in a long-standing diplomatic dispute over an 817-kilometre undemarcated stretch along their shared border. Tensions reached a peak on May 28 when a skirmish near the contentious Preah Vihear area resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

The Malaysian Armed Forces' Defence Intelligence and Strategic Communications Division released a statement noting that while minor skirmishes occurred after the ceasefire was implemented, they were addressed in a follow-up meeting between regional commanders from both countries at 10 am on July 29.

The statement emphasized that both parties reiterated their commitment to maintaining the ceasefire, preventing attacks on civilians, stopping troop reinforcements and military movements, and facilitating the return of the wounded and deceased.

A joint coordination team, consisting of four representatives from each side, will be established to monitor the situation ahead of the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting set for August 4. The Malaysian delegation plans to continue their diplomatic efforts with further discussions scheduled in Phnom Penh with Cambodian officials.