M'sia supports Thailand-Cambodia border talks
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia supports the measures taken by Thailand and Cambodia in addressing the border dispute involving both countries.
Anwar said that Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEAN 2025, is prepared to follow the development of the negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia that is slated for June 14, in addition to providing the cooperation required in the talks.
'I spoke with both the Prime Ministers (of Thailand and Cambodia)... they have taken several measures that we support, namely the June 14 talks regarding the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute.
'I'm ready to follow and provide the cooperation (that is) required. So far, both governments have taken the stance of continuing negotiations amicably,' he told the media after performing the solat sunat Aidiladha with about 15,000 congregants at Masjid Putra here today.
On May 28, Thai and Cambodian troops were involved in a brief skirmish in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province and Cambodia's Preah Vihear province, which reportedly resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
Cambodia has since announced its intention to bring the border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Thailand, meanwhile, has reportedly reiterated its commitment to resolving the issue peacefully in accordance with international law, as well as existing agreements and memoranda with Cambodia.
Following the tension, the two neighbours have agreed to discuss the issue through the Joint Boundary Commission scheduled to be held in Phnom Penh on June 14.
This is expected to be a crucial step towards a peaceful long-term resolution between the two ASEAN neighbouring countries.
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Malaysia Sun
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Discussions have taken place at all levels, including between the Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, Defence Ministers and army officials of both nations, founded on mutual goodwill and the strong relations between Thailand and Cambodia as neighbouring countries and Asean members. Both sides have consistently agreed on resolving the issue peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms, Nikorndej, who is also the Foreign Ministry spokesman, explained. Most recently, on June 5, the Thai and Cambodian Defence Ministers met in Sa Kaeo province to find a mutual resolution. Thailand reiterated its call to ease border tensions and proposed a return to pre-conflict military deployments to reduce the risk of armed clashes, which would impact both nations' citizens. 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The strictness of these measures will correspond to the severity of the situation and Cambodia's cooperation in resolving the issue, he said. The Foreign Ministry spokesman emphasised that Thailand's primary objective is to protect the safety of both Thai and Cambodian citizens in the border regions. 'Thailand once again urges Cambodia to de-escalate tensions along the entire border to prevent unnecessary escalation, which would harm the people on both sides,' he said. Thailand reaffirms its readiness to employ bilateral mechanisms, particularly the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) meeting on June 14, and other existing bilateral mechanisms to achieve a peaceful resolution founded on mutual respect and sincerity. The goal is to restore calm along the Thai-Cambodian border for the benefit of both nations' citizens. 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