By Eric Vandenbroeck and co-workers

A Current Ceasefire Between Cambodia and Thailand

In a closed-door meeting at the presidential palace, the two leaders discussed a wide range of strategic issues, from regional security to bilateral disputes. Both agreed that dialogue and consensus must remain the foundation of Asean cooperation.

The last such consultation took place in 2017, and further meet-ups were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as political transitions in Malaysia. Indonesia’s foreign ministry described the revived meeting as “a timely opportunity for both leaders to provide direction for enhancing bilateral cooperation in the future”.

Prabowo opened the meeting by commending Datuk Seri Anwar’s leadership, particularly Malaysia’s role in mediating a truce on July 28 between Cambodia and Thailand following deadly clashes along their shared border.

“First of all, I would like to extend my congratulations on the leadership of Datuk Seri (Anwar) in leading Asean. You succeeded in mediating and securing a ceasefire in the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. This is something we are grateful for,” Prabowo said.

At least 38 people, most of them civilians, have been killed, and more than 300,000 have been displaced since violence broke out on July 24.

Prabowo added that Indonesia stood ready to support Malaysia’s efforts.

“Thank you. This is a breakthrough, a very significant one. We want Asean to always resolve conflicts through peaceful means, through consultation, deliberation, and negotiation,” he said.

Anwar, who is in Jakarta for the 13th Annual Consultation between the two countries, underlined that maintaining peace in the region is a shared responsibility.

He said Asean member countries – especially Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines – will be “responsible for monitoring the peace process”.

A statement from the Indonesian presidential secretariat described the meeting as a milestone in strengthening bilateral ties and reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to regional peace and prosperity.

The Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire, which took effect at midnight on July 29, followed talks in Putrajaya, Malaysia, between Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Both sides agreed to halt hostilities, restore direct communication, and create a mechanism to monitor the truce.

Despite the ongoing tensions to the north, the meeting between Prabowo and Anwar largely focused on bilateral priorities between the two countries. These included longstanding issues such as maritime boundaries and labor rights, which both leaders said should be resolved through peaceful means.

“In essence, we want to resolve all issues through consultation, negotiation, and consensus,” said Prabowo. “I believe that is our principle, especially since we are countries with similar backgrounds, cultures, religion, and shared roots.”

Anwar is also scheduled to deliver a policy address at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on July 29, where he will outline Malaysia’s key priorities for its ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.

 

 

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