![[UPDATED] Malaysia ready to facilitate Cambodia-Thailand border talks](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FDATUK_SERI_ANWAR_070625_1749266731.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
[UPDATED] Malaysia ready to facilitate Cambodia-Thailand border talks
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia is prepared to help facilitate dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand to achieve a peaceful settlement to their border dispute.
Anwar said he had spoken with both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who informed him that their respective governments had agreed to hold talks on June 14 regarding the issue.
"I have spoken with both prime ministers. They have taken several steps that we support, including holding negotiations on June 14 to discuss the Cambodia-Thailand border issue.
"I am ready to follow up and provide whatever assistance is necessary," he said after attending the Aidiladha prayer at Masjid Putra, here.
This comes in the wake of reports that Thailand's military is prepared to launch a "high-level operation" to counter any violations of its sovereignty, following a border dispute that re-erupted with a deadly clash last week.
A Cambodian soldier was shot dead during a brief skirmish with Thai troops in a disputed border area between Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province, according to Cambodia's Defence Ministry.
In a statement issued on May 28, the ministry alleged that Thai forces had opened fire first on a Cambodian military post situated in the contested zone.
Thailand, however, denied the claim, with Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stating that Cambodian forces had fired the initial shots.
On Friday, after chairing a National Security Council meeting, Paetongtarn announced Thailand had established a special task force to address security concerns along its border with Cambodia.
"So far, both governments have taken a positive stance to proceed with the discussions in a cordial manner," Anwar added.
Meanwhile, on the India-Pakistan conflict, he also expressed hope that both countries will achieve peace.
"I have no role (on the issue) but can only give my opinion."
He said Pakistan's wish to become Asean's dialogue partner will be brought up at a conference and discussed among Asean leaders.
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