KUALA LUMPUR: Cambodia hopes that Malaysia will continue to lead the Asean Observer Team (AOT) at its border with Thailand, even after the conclusion of Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn shared this with him during a bilateral meeting, adding that with the finalisation of the Terms of Reference (TOR), the AOT could be deployed quickly to monitor the ceasefire arrangement between Cambodia and Thailand.
“While this remains fundamentally a bilateral arrangement between Cambodia and Thailand, Malaysia is prepared to accommodate Cambodia’s request,” Mohamad said, speaking to Bernama on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit here today.
He added that both the Cambodian and Thai Chiefs of Defence Forces are scheduled to meet tomorrow to initiate a step-by-step plan for the withdrawal of heavy weapons and the restoration of the border area to its pre-conflict state.
Malaysia also congratulated Cambodia on the successful conclusion of the Kuala Lumpur Accords and the finalisation of the TOR for the AOT, an important mechanism to sustain the ceasefire between the two countries.
Mohamad said Sokhonn also praised Malaysia for its successful Asean Chairmanship, noting that the region has achieved several historic milestones, including the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, the signing of the peace agreement, and the admission of Timor-Leste as a full Asean member.
Sokhonn expressed confidence that the upcoming 47th Asean Summit, scheduled from Sunday to Oct 28, will be fruitful and successful under Malaysia’s leadership.
On bilateral matters, Mohamad said Sokhonn looks forward to Malaysia hosting the 3rd Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), a key mechanism chaired by foreign ministers.
“Both sides have agreed for Malaysia to host the 3rd JCBC in Penang in 2026, on a mutually agreed date,” he added.
Previously, Mohamad was reported saying that Malaysia hopes Cambodia and Thailand will finalise the TOR for the AOT during the 47th Asean Summit.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
