Malaysia Leads Diplomatic Mission As Thailand, Cambodia Agree To Immediate Ceasefire

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, is leading a diplomatic delegation to Thailand and Cambodia to facilitate discussions following an agreement by both countries to implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

The ceasefire, effective from midnight on July 28, was agreed to during a special meeting hosted by Malaysia, which brought both Southeast Asian neighbours to the negotiation table amid escalating tensions.

The meeting, brokered by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya, saw Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai jointly agree to the ceasefire following weeks of rising tensions.

The two countries have long-standing diplomatic friction over an 817-kilometre undemarcated stretch of their shared border.

Tensions escalated on May 28 when a skirmish near the disputed Preah Vihear area resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

Malaysian Armed Forces’ Defence Intelligence and Strategic Communications Division, in a statement, stated that several minor skirmishes were reported after the ceasefire took effect, but these were addressed during a follow-up meeting between the regional commanders of both nations at 10 am on July 29.

“The parties reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the ceasefire, prohibit attacks on civilians, halt troop reinforcements and military movement, and facilitate the return of the wounded and deceased,” it said.

Additionally, a joint coordination team comprising four representatives from each side will be formed to monitor developments ahead of the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting scheduled for Aug 4.

The Malaysian delegation is expected to proceed to Phnom Penh for further discussions with its Cambodian counterpart.

-- BERNAMA