Germany praises Malaysia's diplomatic role in Thai-Cambodian ceasefire
The appreciation was conveyed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a phone call late yesterday.
Anwar shared on Facebook, 'This is a recognition of Malaysia's regional diplomatic capability and commitment to upholding peace and stability within ASEAN.'
He added that as the 2025 ASEAN Chair, Malaysia remains dedicated to fostering regional unity through diplomacy and dialogue.
The discussion between Anwar and Merz also highlighted the growing Malaysia-Germany bilateral ties, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation.
'Close partnerships with international allies such as Germany are crucial to strengthening ASEAN's role as a credible, progressive, and principled regional bloc,' Anwar stated.
Malaysia's swift diplomatic intervention led to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, easing tensions along their disputed borders.
The breakthrough followed a high-level meeting in Putrajaya, attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
The successful mediation has drawn international praise, reinforcing Malaysia's reputation as a key peace facilitator in the region. – Bernama
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
9 minutes ago
- The Star
Thai Army invites Red Cross to inspect detained Cambodian soldiers
BANGKOK: The Royal Thai Army has extended an invitation to international bodies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to inspect Cambodian soldiers currently held in Thai custody. This move comes in response to accusations from Cambodia alleging that Thailand subjected its captured soldiers to inhumane treatment prior to their repatriation following a recent ceasefire agreement. Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree (pic), spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, dismissed Cambodia's claims on Aug 2 as "distorted accusations." He clarified that while a ceasefire had been abruptly implemented, the armed conflict has not yet genuinely concluded. Therefore, under international law, the military's process of temporary detention remains permissible under the Geneva Conventions. "The Royal Thai Army has a plan and is fully prepared to invite international organisations such as the ICRC to observe the well-being of the detained prisoners of war," Maj Gen Winthai stated. He affirmed that Thailand's procedures are "completely within the framework" of the Geneva Conventions. The invitation, he explained, is a proactive measure driven by an understanding that Cambodia might attempt to "distort this issue to undermine the credibility of the Thai military." Consequently, representatives from both UNHCR and ICRC are welcome to conduct inspections through established international legal channels. The Thai side, he stressed, is committed to conducting all its operations strictly under international rules. - The Nation/ANN
New Straits Times
9 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Jo Ghani: US' 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian palm oil competitive
PASIR GUDANG: The 19 per cent export tariff imposed by the United States (US) on Malaysian commodities, including palm oil, is considered competitive and not burdensome compared to other Asean countries, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Johari said Malaysia remained in a good competitive position as the tariff rate was among the lowest in the region. "The 19 per cent tariff imposed by the US on Malaysia is among the lowest in Asean countries. Even Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producer, is subject to the same tariff rate. If we look at the context of palm oil commodities, Indonesia is the largest producer, number one in the world, and we are number two. But Indonesia is also subject to 19 per cent like Malaysia, so there is no problem, meaning we have a 'fair fight'," he said. He was speaking at a press conference after officiating the Pasir Gudang Umno Division Delegates Conference today. Also present was Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is also an Umno vice-president and Pasir Gudang Umno division chief. Malaysia was subjected to the 19 per cent tariff based on an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump. The document for the reciprocal tariff rate adjustment, signed by Trump on July 31, 2025, has been uploaded to the White House website. Previously, Trump set a 25 per cent tariff for Malaysia, but it is understood that a phone conversation between him and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday may have been a factor in the tariff reduction. Johari, who is also performing the duties of the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, added that there had been no significant issues with the country's commodity exports due to the tariff rate. "Malaysia's commodity exports are still able to compete fairly in the international market. I don't see any problems so far with the 19 per cent tariff imposed by the US on our country's commodity exports," he said.
The Star
39 minutes ago
- The Star
Malaysia to hold online meeting with Cambodia and Thailand
JOHOR BARU: Malaysia is expected to hold an online meeting with Cambodia and Thailand on Saturday (Aug 2) evening to discuss the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said he would make individual calls to his Cambodian and Thai counterparts to inform them of Malaysia's readiness to host the bilateral meeting between the two countries. "I will call the defence ministers of both countries separately to express Malaysia's willingness to host the bilateral meeting between Cambodia and Thailand. "After that, once I've spoken to both of them, we will have a Zoom meeting involving all three defence ministers, where we will discuss how to ensure the meeting proceeds smoothly," he said during a press conference at the Pasir Gudang Umno annual meeting here. Mohamed Khaled said the meeting is expected to take place at Wisma Pewira in Kuala Lumpur next week. "Before the GBC meeting, officers from both countries will also hold a separate discussion," he added. In a statement earlier, the Malaysian Armed Forces said it would facilitate the GBC, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 4 to 7.
