Cambodia and Thailand will continue with mediation talks to resolve their border dispute at a general border committee (GBC) meeting scheduled to be held in Malaysia later this week.
The GBC was part of a ceasefire agreement reached between the two countries at a special meeting in Putrajaya on July 28.
The GBC meeting was originally planned for Aug 4 in Phnom Penh. On Thursday, however, Thailand proposed Malaysia as a neutral venue and for the duration to be extended from one day to four.
Cambodia has agreed to Thailand’s request, according to a report by Cambodian state media Agence Kampuchea Presse.
“Cambodia agrees to Thailand’s proposal to meet GBC in Malaysia and proposes to have the representatives of three countries – Malaysia, the US, and China – (attend as observers),” said deputy prime minister and national defence minister Tea Seiha.
The minister also agreed to the proposed dates of Aug 4 to Aug 7 for the GBC meeting.
Tension between Thailand and Cambodia flared on July 24, with armed confrontation resulting in the deaths of soldiers and civilians.
The fighting ceased at midnight on July 28 after the two nations agreed to a ceasefire at the request of Malaysia, the current Asean chair.
At the heart of the dispute is an 817km undemarcated border, which has strained diplomatic ties between the countries for decades.
