Germany, France Commend Anwar’s ASEAN-Led Mediation In Border Conflict

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed his appreciation for Malaysia as the mediator in the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said Merz told Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim this during a phone conversation on Monday.

He said the task now is to further de-escalate the conflict, according to German portal trading-house.net.

According to the report, Merz also praised the good relations between Germany and Malaysia.

“As the current chair of ASEAN and bilaterally, Malaysia is an important partner for Germany in the region. Merz and Anwar agreed to further intensify economic relations between the two countries,” it said.

Meanwhile, France has also commended the mediation role of Anwar as current ASEAN Chair in securing a ceasefire deal between the two countries.

“France welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire effective Monday evening, July 28, and the resumption of dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand following the meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries held in Malaysia on July 28.

“It calls for the effective implementation of the ceasefire,” it said. 

France said this significant progress must be the starting point for a lasting settlement of disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law. It reaffirms its commitment to the centrality of ASEAN in resolving regional disputes.

France also reiterates its willingness to contribute to international efforts, particularly those of ASEAN, in this regard. 

Thailand and Cambodia on Monday agreed to an immediate ceasefire following a special meeting brokered by Anwar in Putrajaya.

During the meeting, Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed their commitment to de-escalation and agreed to a ceasefire beginning 2400 hours (local time) on July 28, 2025, ending a five-day armed hostilities at their disputed border region.

The two Southeast Asian neighbours share a long-standing dispute over an 817-kilometre undemarcated stretch of their border.

Tensions have been mounting since May 28 following a skirmish between troops of the two countries near the disputed Preah Vihear area that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

The most recent round of hostilities began on July 24, resulting in casualties on both sides and displacing thousands others. 

-- BERNAMA