Kuala lumpur: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin today announced his plan to contact his Cambodian and Thai counterparts to inform them of Malaysia’s readiness to host the General Boundary Committee (GBC) Meeting between the two countries. The discussions are aimed at finalizing preparations for the upcoming meeting.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the phone calls will be followed by a virtual meeting via Zoom with both defence ministers to finalize preparations. Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that he will first contact each minister individually to convey Malaysia’s readiness. A joint session will then be held to determine the agenda for the meeting, ensuring it proceeds smoothly next week.

Before the ministerial-level meeting takes place, senior officers from Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand will convene at Wisma Perwira in Kuala Lumpur for preliminary discussions. This location is adjacent to Malaysia’s Defence Ministry, providing a strategic venue for initial talks.

Earlier, the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) released a statement announcing its role in facilitating the GBC Meeting between Thailand and Cambodia, scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur from August 4 to 7. The Defence Intelligence and Strategic Communications Division stated that the meeting aims to resolve the border dispute between the two countries, following a ceasefire agreement brokered by Malaysia on July 28.

The meeting was initially slated to occur in Phnom Penh on August 4. However, Thailand proposed on July 31 for the meeting to be relocated to Malaysia, citing the need for a neutral venue.