Kuala lumpur: Thailand and Cambodia have once again expressed their appreciation to the Malaysian Government for playing an active mediating role in resolving the recent border tensions between the two neighbouring countries. Thailand’s Acting Minister of Defence General Nattaphon Narkphanit said Malaysia’s efforts in facilitating coordination had helped both parties to resolve the matter themselves, with support from ASEAN.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, General Nattaphon Narkphanit expressed gratitude to Malaysia, acknowledging its significant role as the ASEAN Chair in successfully coordinating and facilitating discussions. He noted that he, along with Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Tea Seiha, had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The remarks were made during a press conference after the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting, which Nattaphon co-chaired with General Tea Seiha at Wisma Perwira. Observers at the meeting included Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, along with the United States Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
Nattaphon also highlighted Anwar’s satisfaction with the positive developments in the GBC talks, considering it a crucial step towards stabilizing the ceasefire. On the other hand, General Tea Seiha affirmed Cambodia’s commitment to working with Malaysia and Thailand in good faith to ensure the ceasefire agreement’s implementation.
General Tea Seiha further emphasized Cambodia’s appreciation for Malaysia’s role in mediating the dispute, reiterating the country’s dedication to resolving the issue through peaceful means, in line with international law and the ASEAN Charter.
The tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been ongoing since May 28, following a skirmish between troops near the disputed Preah Vihear border area, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.