Latest news with #ForeignAffairsMinistry
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia hosts global anti-corruption course to strengthen international cooperation
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has intensified its efforts to become a global leader in the fight against corruption by hosting an anti-corruption course for senior anti-corruption and law enforcement officers from around the world. Organised by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (MACA) in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the course brought together 17 senior officers from Southeast Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, and Africa. Held from July 13 to 25, the course aimed to strengthen institutional capacity, expand strategic cooperation networks, and reinforce Malaysia's commitment to promoting integrity and good governance at the international level. The course focused on strategic management methods to combat corruption, addressing contemporary issues such as intelligence-based investigations, digital forensics, cross-border asset recovery, cryptocurrency-related crimes, and strategic crisis communication management. "The modules were delivered by a panel of experts and seasoned practitioners within Malaysia's anti-corruption ecosystem. "They were also designed to provide participants with practical approaches applicable within their respective national contexts. "The organisation of this programme underscores Malaysia's role as a leader in development diplomacy and anti-corruption education globally," MACA said in a press statement on Monday (July 28). Held under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), the course was named the Executive Certificate Course for Strategic Management of Anti-Corruption Programme 2025. Among the participants was Zambia Police Service senior superintendent and assistant public relations officer Godfrey Chilabi, who praised the programme for its specialised organisational structure and use of scientific techniques such as forensic tools. "This programme was both enlightening and impactful, with the module on asset recovery and the role of the media in corruption prevention being highly valuable. "I would strongly encourage my colleagues to join this training, as corruption today is a transnational crime that requires modern tools and strategies," he said in the press statement. Also participating in the course was Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission deputy director of operations Silvia Ferdous, among others.
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Border fighting sparks global concern
The United States, China and Japan have expressed grave concern and urged de-escalation following renewed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, while France also joined the call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution. The heightened tensions, which escalated on Thursday, have prompted calls for restraint and dialogue from the international community. The United States Embassy in Bangkok issued a statement the same day conveying the US's deep concerns regarding the escalation in fighting and alarm over harm to innocent civilians. "The United States is gravely concerned by reports of the escalating fighting along the Thailand-Cambodia border. We are particularly alarmed by reports of harm to innocent civilians. We express our deepest condolences for the loss of life. We strongly urge the immediate cessation of attacks, protection of civilians, and peaceful settlement of disputes," the statement read. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun also addressed the Thailand-Cambodia clashes on Thursday during a Q&A session, part of a regular press conference. Mr Guo said that the Chinese government was deeply concerned and urged both nations to resolve the conflict through negotiation. He emphasised China's commitment to remaining neutral and fair while encouraging dialogue to ease tensions. "Thailand and Cambodia are friends of China, and they both serve as important members of Asean," Mr Guo stated. "Being good neighbouring countries and appropriately managing differences would result in foundational and long-term benefits to both countries. We are deeply concerned by the ongoing situation and hope both countries can resolve conflicts appropriately through negotiation and discussion based on mutual benefits and the mutual needs of every member of the region. China will remain neutral and fair and will continue encouraging negotiation, and play a constructive role in relieving tension." The Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry's website also published a statement from Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshion on Thursday, expressing Japan's deep concern over the situation. "The Government of Japan expresses deep concern over military clashes that occurred between Cambodia and Thailand on July 24. "Following a military clash on May 28, tensions have persisted between the two countries, including restrictions on the movement of people and goods across the border. Japan has been working to encourage both countries to de-escalate the situation. A sound relationship between Cambodia and Thailand is extremely important for peace and stability in the region. "Japan urges both Cambodia and Thailand to exercise maximum restraint and strongly hopes that the tension between the two countries will be eased peacefully through dialogue," Mr Takeshion said. Adding to the international chorus, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on Friday issued a statement expressing deep concern over the recent clash. "France would like to express deep concern over the recent clash between Cambodia and Thailand on July 24, 2025, which resulted in several loss of lives, and would like to express our deepest condolences to those families," the statement read. "France would like to call upon Cambodia and Thailand to immediately stop the clash and solve the dispute through international law. "Meanwhile, France would like to suggest French nationals not travel to those border areas. For those who have been residing in that area, please leave the area as soon as possible."
Middle East Eye
4 days ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Israel releases video accusing UN of refusing to distribute aid
Israel has released a YouTube advert attacking the UN and has claimed that the organisation is responsible for preventing aid from getting into Gaza. The video claims that Israel has already "cleared hundreds of trucks". The advert, published on Israel's Foreign Affairs Ministry's verified channel on YouTube, shows visuals of trucks and what appear to be stockpiles of aid. "While Israel cleared hundreds of trucks that crossed into Gaza, the UN refuses to distribute the aid. These trucks stand idle inside Gaza next to growing stockpiles of supplies. This is deliberate sabotage by the UN," the narrator says in the video. Israeli forces have been shooting and killing aid seekers in Gaza daily. Since morning, the Israeli military has killed more than 11 Palestinians, including at least four aid seekers. Gaza's health ministry said on Thursday that at least 115 Palestinians have starved to death in the enclave due to the Israeli-imposed blockade
Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thai-Cambodian border tensions erupt
Thailand is calling on the international community to condemn Cambodia's attack on civilian targets in the country, which resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people. As Thai and Cambodian forces traded fire along the border on Thursday, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub insisted that Cambodia was the one who fired the first shot, before condemning the neighbouring country as "inhumane" and "war-hungry". The army said the confrontation began after Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai positions near the ancient Ta Muean Thom temple in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district, which is located along the border. The clashes subsequently spread to six other areas along the Thai-Cambodian border in the province. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said at least 12 Thai citizens -- 11 civilians and one soldier -- were killed in the clashes, while about 30 others sustained various injuries. However, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the attacks resulted in 11 deaths -- 10 civilians and one soldier -- and 28 injuries, including 24 civilians and four military personnel. Military sources said Cambodian troops have placed multiple-launch rocket systems along the border. They claimed the rocket launchers are pointed towards populated areas, which could worsen the humanitarian impact of the conflict. In response to the bombardment of Thai homes by Cambodian artillery, the Thai armed forces launched a targeted air operation, with F-16 fighter jets deployed to strike two Cambodian command centres to disperse enemy forces. The border conflict intensified throughout Thursday, with Cambodian forces firing artillery rounds at about 10 locations in four Thai provinces: Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surin. Thai authorities are currently assessing the full scale of the damage, and emergency services have been mobilised to assist affected communities. Official response Mr Jirayu said the Foreign Affairs Ministry will be lodging formal protests with international organisations in response to Cambodia's hostile actions. He insisted that Cambodian forces initiated the conflict, and blasted their continued use of heavy weaponry against civilian targets. "We call upon the international community to condemn Cambodia's actions. Cambodia has shown itself to be a nation driven by a hunger for war, with complete disregard for human rights and humanitarian principles of any kind," he said. The Royal Thai Army has also strongly condemned Cambodia's actions, in particular, its use of force against civilians in Thai territory, saying the strikes constituted a grave breach of international humanitarian principles. In the statement, the military reaffirmed its commitment to defending national sovereignty and protecting Thai citizens from any act of aggression. Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also took to her Facebook page to condemn Cambodia's attacks. "I condemn Cambodia for the use of violence and act of aggression along the Thai border, by which the Cambodian side initiated the use of arms and fired into Thai territory -- impacting both officials and innocent civilians. Such action constitutes a clear violation of international legal norms, especially fundamental human rights and ethical principles," she said in her post. F-16s strike back In response to Cambodia's aggression, the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) deployed F-16 fighter jets to support ground operations along the Thai–Cambodian border. According to military sources, six jets carried out precision strikes targeting Cambodian artillery positions shelling Thai civilian areas. Specifically, the operation focused on two key Cambodian military installations: the 8th Support Regiment Headquarters and the 9th Support Regiment, which were being used as command centres to coordinate attacks on Thai villages. The air operation, lasting 20 minutes, was successfully completed without incident. All six F-16 aircraft safely returned to their base. Around 11.40am, Thai ground forces blocked off a key access route leading up to Phu Makuea in Si Sa Ket to prevent further incursions. At 4.40pm, the RTAF ordered another airstrike, deploying four F-16 fighter jets to hit Cambodian military positions near the disputed Ta Muean Thom temple in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin. According to the sources, the jets successfully hit their designated targets in the southern sector of the temple, and all aircraft returned safely to base following the mission. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, which have intensified following earlier clashes and accusations of landmine placements and attacks on civilian targets.
Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Border tensions erupt
Thailand is calling on the international community to condemn Cambodia's attack on civilian targets in the country, which resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people. As Thai and Cambodian forces traded fire along the border on Thursday, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub insisted that Cambodia was the one who fired the first shot, before condemning the neighbouring country as "inhumane" and "war-hungry". The army said the confrontation began after Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai positions near the ancient Ta Muean Thom temple in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district, which is located along the border. The clashes subsequently spread to six other areas along the Thai-Cambodian border in the province. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said at least 12 Thai citizens -- 11 civilians and one soldier -- were killed in the clashes, while about 30 others sustained various injuries. However, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the attacks resulted in 11 deaths -- 10 civilians and one soldier -- and 28 injuries, including 24 civilians and four military personnel. Military sources said Cambodian troops have placed multiple-launch rocket systems along the border. They claimed the rocket launchers are pointed towards populated areas, which could worsen the humanitarian impact of the conflict. In response to the bombardment of Thai homes by Cambodian artillery, the Thai armed forces launched a targeted air operation, with F-16 fighter jets deployed to strike two Cambodian command centres to disperse enemy forces. The border conflict intensified throughout Thursday, with Cambodian forces firing artillery rounds at about 10 locations in four Thai provinces: Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surin. Thai authorities are currently assessing the full scale of the damage, and emergency services have been mobilised to assist affected communities. Official response Mr Jirayu said the Foreign Affairs Ministry will be lodging formal protests with international organisations in response to Cambodia's hostile actions. He insisted that Cambodian forces initiated the conflict, and blasted their continued use of heavy weaponry against civilian targets. "We call upon the international community to condemn Cambodia's actions. Cambodia has shown itself to be a nation driven by a hunger for war, with complete disregard for human rights and humanitarian principles of any kind," he said. The Royal Thai Army has also strongly condemned Cambodia's actions, in particular, its use of force against civilians in Thai territory, saying the strikes constituted a grave breach of international humanitarian principles. In the statement, the military reaffirmed its commitment to defending national sovereignty and protecting Thai citizens from any act of aggression. Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also took to her Facebook page to condemn Cambodia's attacks. "I condemn Cambodia for the use of violence and act of aggression along the Thai border, by which the Cambodian side initiated the use of arms and fired into Thai territory -- impacting both officials and innocent civilians. Such action constitutes a clear violation of international legal norms, especially fundamental human rights and ethical principles," she said in her post. F-16s strike back In response to Cambodia's aggression, the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) deployed F-16 fighter jets to support ground operations along the Thai–Cambodian border. According to military sources, six jets carried out precision strikes targeting Cambodian artillery positions shelling Thai civilian areas. Specifically, the operation focused on two key Cambodian military installations: the 8th Support Regiment Headquarters and the 9th Support Regiment, which were being used as command centres to coordinate attacks on Thai villages. The air operation, lasting 20 minutes, was successfully completed without incident. All six F-16 aircraft safely returned to their base. Around 11.40am, Thai ground forces blocked off a key access route leading up to Phu Makuea in Si Sa Ket to prevent further incursions. At 4.40pm, the RTAF ordered another airstrike, deploying four F-16 fighter jets to hit Cambodian military positions near the disputed Ta Muean Thom temple in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin. According to the sources, the jets successfully hit their designated targets in the southern sector of the temple, and all aircraft returned safely to base following the mission. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, which have intensified following earlier clashes and accusations of landmine placements and attacks on civilian targets.
