Cambodia and Thailand agree to hold talks after days of cross-border fighting, says Trump
Donald Trump
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The leaders of Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to 'immediately meet and quickly work out a ceasefire' after days of cross-border violence, according to a social media post by US President Donald Trump on Saturday.
In a series of earlier posts, Trump said he had spoken with both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting prime minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai in his efforts to restore peace. He also said he looks forward to concluding trade agreements with both nations, 'once peace is at hand.'
'Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. They are also looking to get back to the 'Trading Table' with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS,' Trump wrote.
'They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!'
A statement from Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Wechayachai 'requested President Trump to convey to the Cambodian side that Thailand wants to convene a bilateral dialogue as soon as possible to bring forth measures and procedures for the ceasefire and the eventual peaceful resolution of the conflict.'
Cambodia is yet to comment publicly on the possible ceasefire talks.
Bangkok and Phnom Penh have been fighting over territory disputed since colonial power France drew the border between them more than a century ago. The renewed deadly conflict pits longtime US ally Thailand, with decades of experience, against Cambodia's relatively young armed force with close ties to China.
Since fighting broke out on Thursday, more than a dozen people have been reported killed, dozens wounded, and more than 150,000 civilians evacuated. Clashes have continued into Saturday, according to officials on both sides.
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