Jakarta: Malaysia and Brunei have expressed confidence that ASEAN can continue to be a model region in the promotion of diplomacy and global peace. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim discussed this during a phone call with the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, shortly after arriving at the ASEAN Secretariat Building in Jakarta.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted that the conversation included discussions on ASEAN’s role and efforts to mediate between Thailand and Cambodia, who agreed to an unconditional cessation of violence. “God willing, we are confident that ASEAN will continue to be a model region in promoting diplomacy and global peace,” Anwar stated in a Facebook post.

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to ease tensions along their disputed border. This agreement was reached during a special meeting chaired by Anwar as ASEAN Chairman in Putrajaya. The meeting included Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

Also in attendance were US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. The US co-organized the meeting, while China participated as an observer to support a peaceful resolution to the situation.

The two Southeast Asian nations have a history of diplomatic disputes over an 817-kilometer-long border that remains partially undemarcated. Tensions escalated on May 28 following clashes between troops from both countries near the border area in Preah Vihear, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The conflict intensified on July 24, with several reported incidents of fighting along the northern Cambodian border, leading to casualties on both sides.

Following the special meeting, Prime Minister Anwar traveled to Jakarta to attend the 13th Annual Consultation with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.