KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged both Cambodia and Thailand to de-escalate tensions and agree to a ceasefire over their ongoing border dispute.
According to the US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio spoke with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn to stress the importance of an immediate ceasefire.
"Secretary Rubio reiterated President Trump's desire for peace and the importance of an immediate ceasefire. The US is prepared to facilitate future discussions to ensure peace and stability between Thailand and Cambodia," Bruce said in a statement that was made available on the department's official website.
Bruce said Rubio conveyed a similar message to Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, reaffirming Washington's readiness to facilitate dialogue and peace efforts between both countries.
In the latest development, Bernama reported that the Thai government has confirmed it will attend a regional peace consultation in Malaysia on Monday to discuss the escalating border conflict with Cambodia.
Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as the current ASEAN Chair, has invited the Thai leadership to discuss the Thai-Cambodian conflict.
He added that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will also attend the consultation at the invitation of the ASEAN Chair.
The Thai delegation is scheduled to depart from the Royal Thai Air Force base at approximately 10.30 am, with the meeting set for 3 pm (Malaysian time).
The border dispute between the two nations escalated on July 25, leading to armed clashes along Cambodia's northern border region.
The latest hostilities have reportedly resulted in over 20 fatalities on the Thai side.
Cambodian authorities stated that five soldiers and eight civilians have been killed, with thousands displaced on both sides of the border.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been rising since May 28, following a confrontation between soldiers near the disputed Preah Vihear border area, which led to the death of a Cambodian soldier.
The two Southeast Asian neighbours have long contested an 817-kilometre undemarcated stretch of their shared border, which has remained a persistent source of tension and diplomatic strain.
-- BERNAMA
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