Cambodia and Thailand agree to immediate ceasefire, says Anwar
The meeting took place on Monday (July 28) to de-escalate the situation between the two Asean neighbours over a border dispute. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
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The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
PM: Ceasefire highlights Asean's growing diplomatic clout
JAKARTA: The immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreed by Thailand and Cambodia reflects not only the strength of Asean's convening power, but also the constructive engagement of its partners in safeguarding regional stability, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his policy speech on Asean delivered at the Asean Secretariat yesterday, Anwar, who is also the current chairman of the bloc, said such an episode has served as a vital reaffirmation of the values that have served the Asean region well. 'By continuing to uphold the Asean Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, we can strengthen the peace dividend, ensuring Asean remains a community of trust, cooperation and shared prosperity for generations to come,' he said. Secretary-general of Asean Kao Kim Hourn also attended the event, reported Bernama. On Monday, Anwar succeeded in mediating an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia after a special meeting held in Putrajaya, which has drawn international praise and put Malaysia in the global spotlight. The United States was a co-organiser of the meeting while China, as an observer, aimed to promote a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation. According to Anwar, the episode is a reminder of the qualities which have kept the region at peace – patience, trust, and steady diplomacy – and give meaning to Asean's centrality and unity today. 'I have consistently underscored that Asean's centrality, unity and autonomy should remain the compass in our collective journey ahead. 'However, we must be cognisant that these ethos are not a right but a privilege we must work hard to sustain in the face of shifting regional and global dynamics. In a fragmented world, our centrality and unity matter more than ever.' Anwar also commended Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai for their statesmanship, as well as US President Donald Trump and the Chinese leadership for their constructive engagement. 'The presence and cooperation of all parties reaffirm that peace is best achieved through dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to stability.' The Prime Minister is currently in Indonesia for a two-day working visit for the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation. He arrived in Jakarta on Monday, accompanied by key officials including Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
World leaders laud Anwar's efforts in brokering peace
Twin joy: Double rainbows appearing behind Cambodians travelling near temporary shelters after the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a truce in Srei Snam, Cambodia. — Reuters IPOH: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been lauded for the successful mediation between Thailand and Cambodia, which saw the two countries agreeing to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said his country is grateful to Malaysia for hosting ceasefire talks between Thailand and Cambodia, and applauds the ceasefire declaration. 'President Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honour their commitments to end this conflict. 'We are grateful to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership and for hosting the ceasefire talks. 'We urge all parties to follow through on their commitments. The United States will remain committed to and engaged in this US-Malaysia organised process to end this conflict,' he said. German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said Chancellor Friedrich Merz had spoken to Anwar to express his appreciation. 'The task now is to further de-escalate the conflict,' said Merz, who also praised the good relations between Germany and Malaysia. 'As the current Chair of Asean and, bilaterally, Malaysia is an important partner for Germany in the region,' he said. A French Embassy spokesperson said France commended the Prime Minister's role in the matter. 'France welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire and the resumption of dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand following the meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries in Malaysia. 'It calls for the effective implementation of the ceasefire. 'This significant progress must be the starting point for a lasting settlement of disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law. 'France reiterates its willingness to contribute to international efforts, particularly those of Asean in this regard,' said the spokesperson. European Union vice-president Kaja Kallas described the ceasefire agreement as a major breakthrough. 'It's vital both countries implement it in good faith. I thank Malaysia as Asean Chair for helping facilitate the negotiation process,' she said on X. Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Penny Wong called for both parties to honour the ceasefire and work towards a lasting and peaceful resolution. 'We appreciate Anwar and Malaysia's leadership as Asean Chair, and the role played by President Trump,' she said on X. The historic ceasefire made headlines in top world news organisations. This is not the first time Malaysia has played a significant role in mediating regional conflicts. The country has long earned trust as a neutral peace broker, having previously contributed to peace efforts in Aceh, southern Thailand and the southern Philippines.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Business groups say swift ceasefire will prevent disruptions
Soldiers react as they receive flowers from members of a royalist group in support of the military at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, on the day military negotiations are set, after the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire on Monday effective midnight, in a bid to bring an end to their deadliest conflict in more than a decade after five days of fierce fighting, in Bangkok, Thailand, July 29, 2025. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa PETALING JAYA: The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is much needed to restore peace and regional stability at a time when employers are grappling with a complex global business environment, say business groups. The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) described the ceasefire as a positive development in light of slow global trade, ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions linked to US tariff rates. 'On behalf of Malaysian employers, including those with regional operations, supply chains and investment footprints in both Thailand and Cambodia, we express our deep appreciation for the Prime Minister's bold diplomatic intervention and rapid resolution of the escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. 'Employers across the region, particularly those in labour-intensive manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics and cross-border retail, now have the opportunity to continue operations without disruption while maintaining the safety of their workforce and facilities. 'MEF commends the commitment of both Thailand and Cambodia's peaceful conflict resolution through Asean platforms,' said its president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman. He added that since Malaysia maintains substantial trade and investment ties with both Thailand and Cambodia, any instability would pose real threats to business continuity, supply chains and regional confidence. Syed Hussain said the swift de-escalation will ease concerns raised by many members with direct operations or investment interests in both nations and help prevent further commercial losses, supply chain disruptions and reputational risks that can emerge from prolonged conflicts. Thailand is one of Malaysia's top trading partners in Asean with bilateral trade exceeding RM100bil annually. Cambodia, while smaller in volume, is a growing trade partner with Malaysia's total investments crossing RM12bil in recent years. The Malaysia-Cambodia Business Association (MCBA) also commended Malaysia's leadership role in brokering the ceasefire. MCBA founding president Datuk Seri Ricky Yaw praised Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his proactive diplomacy, especially in bringing the leaders of both countries together for urgent dialogue. 'This ceasefire is a critical step towards restoring peace and regional stability. We extend our highest respect to Malaysia for the leadership demonstrated in facilitating this breakthrough. 'We also pay high tribute to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai for their political foresight and courage in making responsible decisions that balance national interest with regional peace,' Yaw said.
