Phnom penh: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul engaged in discussions with US President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand during separate phone calls on Friday.
According to Anadolu Agency, the discussions were centered on the developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border, aiming to further implement the peace agreement between the two nations. Prime Minister Hun Manet took to Facebook to express gratitude towards President Trump for his initiative on the ceasefire and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration. He reiterated Cambodia’s firm commitment to upholding the spirit of the declaration and expressed hope for continued cooperation based on the principles and bilateral mechanisms previously agreed upon.
President Trump emphasized his desire for lasting peace between Cambodia and Thailand and assured that he would closely monitor the situation to prevent any further armed clashes along the border. Prime Minister Hun Manet reinforced Cambodia’s stance on resolving border issues peacefully, adhering to previously agreed principles and mechanisms to establish enduring peace between the two countries.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in his statement on Facebook, mentioned his discussions with both Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and President Trump. Anutin highlighted the importance of adhering to mutual commitments to achieve peace. The Thai Foreign Ministry’s statement revealed that Anutin urged Cambodia to acknowledge the facts and take responsibility for a recent mine explosion, accusing Cambodia of planting new explosives and highlighting the need for demining operations in previously discussed areas.
Anutin also asserted Thailand’s right to take necessary actions to protect its sovereignty in light of the current situation. The recent cross-border clash between Thailand and Cambodia resulted in the death of one civilian and injuries to three others, with both sides blaming each other. This incident occurred shortly after Thailand suspended a peace pact signed last month in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by President Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The Southeast Asian nations had previously agreed to an unconditional ceasefire at a trilateral meeting hosted by Anwar, following weeks of hostilities.