Asean founding members laud push for peace between Cambodia, Thailand

Efforts reflect Asean's convening power and constructive engagement of partners: Anwar

- Azril Annuar Malaysia Correspondent and Arlina Arshad Indonesia Bureau Chief

KUALA LUMPUR/JAKARTA - Despite the dangerous and escalating situation at the Thai-Cambodian border, it was "both vital and possible" to bring the two countries to the negotiating table, said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on July 29.

The July 28 peace talks between Cambodia and Thailand, which took place in Putrajaya with the help of Malaysia, reflect not only the strength of Asean's convening power, but also the constructive engagement of its partners in safeguarding regional stability, said Datuk Seri Anwar, speaking at the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta while on an official visit to Indonesia.

"I spoke to both leaders, took care to listen to their perspectives, and urged them to find common ground in the interest of ensuring no more lives were lost. With the participation of the United States and China, both sides agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire (on July 28)," he said, while also thanking US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping for their participation in ensuring the ceasefire.

Representatives from the US and China were present at the July 28 meeting, which Malaysia said was co-organised by Washington, with Beijing's active participation.

"The presence and cooperation of all parties reaffirm that peace is best achieved through dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to stability," said Mr Anwar.

At least 40 people — most of them civilians — have been killed and more than 300,000 displaced since violence broke out on July 24.