Thailand, Cambodia agree to ceasefire: Malaysia

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an ‘immediate and unconditional’ ceasefire in an effort to resolve deadly border clashes.

The talks between the two warring Southeast Asian countries hosted by Anwar were aimed at halting fighting over a border dispute that has killed at least 35 people and displaced more than 270,000 from both sides of the Thailand-Cambodia border.

The ambassadors of the United States and China were also present at the meeting.

Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met on Monday for ceasefire talks at Anwar’s official residence in Malaysia’s administrative capital, Putrajaya.

 “We have seen very positive development and results that would augur well for Cambodia and Thailand,” Anwar said as he was flanked by Phumtham and Hun Manet.

Anwar said US President Donald Trump and China’s leaders were in close contact with the leaders of the warring countries as well as Malaysia “to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict”.

He said on Monday that both Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to a ceasefire effective at midnight (17:00 GMT). A meeting between the military commanders of both nations will follow on Tuesday, he added.

“This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” Anwar said.

Hun Manet said he had “a very good meeting and very good result that we hope to stop immediately the fighting that have caused many lives lost”.

Source: Agencies