Latest news with #AseanCharter
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodia confirms Malaysia-led Asean defence attache team to monitor ceasefire
Japan's Ambassador to Thailand Otaka Masato reacts next to a woman, injured from an artillery shell that struck a 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station on July 24, which also resulted in multiple fatalities, as foreign military attaches from major powers and Asean member countries and diplomats from 23 countries inspect the site, following a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, in Sisaket province, Thailand, August 1, 2025. has invited foreign missions based in Phnom Penh to observe the implementation of the ceasefire along the border in Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces. - Reuters PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's National Defence Ministry announced on Sunday (Aug 3) that an interim Asean Defence Attache Observer Team, led by Malaysia, will monitor the implementation of the ceasefire in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. The team consists of military attaches from seven member states - Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam - will conduct field observations on August 3. Meanwhile, Cambodian top negotiators will head to Kuala Lumpur for the General Border Committee (GBC) negotiations, where the release of 18 soldiers held captive by the Thai army is likely to top their agenda. The soldiers are being held following a border conflict between the countries that erupted on July 24. The bilateral talks, scheduled from August 4 to 7, are part of a ceasefire agreement reached between Cambodia and Thailand on July 28, which led to temporary de-escalation and pushed back soldiers to their barracks. The GBC talks are being hosted by Malaysia in its capacity as the 2025 Asean Chair, and take place within the framework of the Asean- and internationally backed ceasefire. Cambodia is shoring up diplomatic support. It has invited foreign missions based in Phnom Penh to observe the implementation of the ceasefire along the border in Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces. More than 20 diplomats and representatives from various United Nations agencies participated in these inspection visits on Friday and Saturday. "It underscores Cambodia's steadfast commitment to international law, de-escalation and continued adherence to the Asean Charter, the UN Charter, and the ceasefire agreement," Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry spokesman Chum Sounry told a media briefing on Saturday. "Cambodia looks forward to advancing de-escalation efforts through the upcoming General Border Committee meeting." The armed confrontation that broke out on July 24 and lasted for five days triggered a diplomatic pause between Cambodia and Thailand, two neighbours that have yet to resolve their 817-kilometre border dispute dating back to 1907. Dr Kin Phea, Director-General of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, emphasised that both governments must honour the ceasefire agreement if lasting peace is to be achieved in the region. "Both sides must maintain utmost restraint and resolve the conflict peacefully under legal frameworks and mechanisms, and both sides must fully and consistently respect international law and the UN Charter,' he told Bernama. The dispute caused over 170,000 Cambodians to vacate their homes in several northern provinces. - Bernama
New Straits Times
31-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Implement ceasefire in good faith
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean foreign ministers have expressed hope that the ceasefire agreement reached between Cambodia and Thailand in Putrajaya on July 28 will be fully implemented in good faith. In a joint statement today, the ministers voiced confidence that the goodwill shown by both nations would lead to the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire and all decisions adopted during the special meeting. "We welcome the outcome of the special meeting chaired, hosted and witnessed by Malaysia's Prime Minister and Asean chair Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to address the situation between Cambodia and Thailand. "We also express support for Malaysia's readiness to coordinate an observer team comprising Asean Member States to impartially verify and ensure the implementation of the ceasefire," the statement read. The ministers urged both countries to resolve the matter amicably by international law and in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter, Asean Charter, Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and the spirit of unity, family and good neighbourliness within Asean. They also commended Malaysia's efforts in facilitating bilateral dialogue leading to the ceasefire, and acknowledged the contributions of the United States as co-organiser of the special meeting, along with China's active participation to promote a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation. Tensions between the two Asean countries escalated on May 28 after troops from both nations clashed in the Preah Vihear area, resuming a long-standing dispute over their 817-kilometre border. Fighting from both sides led to 15 deaths and more than 100,000 people displaced. On July 28, Malaysia, as the Asean chair, hosted a special meeting involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayacha in Putrajaya. After the meeting, Anwar announced that both countries had agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Hun Manet said the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand marked the beginning of efforts to rebuild trust, confidence, and cooperation between the two countries. Phumtham, meanwhile, said the outcome reflected Thailand's commitment to a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution, while continuing to protect its sovereignty and the lives of its people.
The Star
31-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Vietnam, Malaysia Prime Ministers discuss regional and bilateral issues in phone call
FILE PHOTO: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim receives a courtesy call from Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Rio De Janeiro on July 7, 2025. - Bernama --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED HANOI: Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a phone conversation on Wednesday to discuss regional developments and bilateral cooperation, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA). During the conversation, Anwar briefed the Vietnamese leader on Malaysia's initiatives as Asean Chair to address escalating tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border. He emphasised Malaysia's commitment to promoting dialogue and ensuring solidarity and unity in handling the issue. Anwar called on Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint, refrain from the use of force, and resolve differences peacefully and satisfactorily in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, the Asean Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia. Chinh, for his part, expressed appreciation for the frequent exchanges between the two leaders on matters of mutual concern, stating they reflected the growing political trust between Vietnam and Malaysia, which exemplifies the spirit of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He hailed the efforts by Anwar, as well as Malaysia, the Asean Chair this year, in promoting the settlement of the Cambodia-Thailand border tensions. He specifically highlighted the July 28 meeting organised between the Cambodian Prime Minister and the Acting Thai Prime Minister, which led to a ceasefire agreement-the first positive step towards controlling the escalation of conflict between the two countries. Vietnam always supports and stands ready to join Asean's efforts and work closely with Malaysia in addressing regional issues while upholding the bloc's solidarity, he said, highlighting that Vietnam is prepared to send representatives to Asean-led mechanisms to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire and to provide humanitarian assistance to affected people in both countries. Regarding bilateral cooperation, the two Prime Ministers agreed to continue exchanges aimed at strengthening trust and implementing measures to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Priority areas include enhanced collaboration in innovation, science and technology, and energy sectors, with particular focus on power transmission projects connecting Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore to form the Asean power grid. The leaders also discussed expediting the signing of a rice trade agreement, enabling Vietnam to support Malaysia in ensuring food security. The two Prime Ministers exchanged their views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, such as trade and tariff policies, highlighting their commitments to peace, stability and prosperity for their nations, the region and the world. - Bernama
The Star
29-07-2025
- Politics
- 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
29-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Putrajaya-brokered ceasefire highlights Asean's growing clout, says Anwar
JAKARTA: The immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreed by Thailand and Cambodia not only reflects the strength of Asean's convening power but also the constructive engagement of its partners in safeguarding regional stability, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his policy speech on Asean delivered at the Asean Secretariat here on Tuesday (July 29), 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. Asean Secretary-General also Kao Kim Hourn attended the event. 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 reminds Asean of the qualities which have kept the region at peace – patience, trust and steady diplomacy – are the same qualities that 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," he said. Anwar also commended Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai for their statesmanship, as well as United States 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, he said. Anwar is currently in Indonesia for a two-day working visit for the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation from July 28. The Prime Minister arrived in Jakarta on Monday accompanied by key officials, including Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, as well as Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. – Bernama
