Ceasefire hopes rest on meet

Asean foreign affairs ministers urge calm

- POST REPORTERS

All eyes are on the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting taking place in Kuala Lumpur today as to whether it will lead to a formal ceasefire as regional leaders seek to calm escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as Asean chair, said in a social media post yesterday that he had spoken to the leaders of both countries to explore the best path toward easing hostilities, urging Bangkok and Phnom Penh to embrace dialogue, wisdom and mutual respect to preserve regional peace and stability. "The foreign ministers' meeting will serve as an appropriate and constructive platform for the two countries to engage in open dialogue, resolve their differences peacefully, and reach a fair and lasting solution," wrote Mr Anwar.

The meeting is seen as a critical platform for Thailand and Cambodia to engage in open discussions, clarify their positions and explore ways to deescalate.