KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin today held a trilateral meeting with his counterparts from Cambodia and Thailand in preparation for the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between the two neighbouring countries on Aug 7.
In a Facebook post, Mohamed Khaled said the virtual meeting was attended by Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha, as well as Thailand’s Acting Defence Minister General Natthaphon Narkphanit.
“This meeting marks an important step in preparing for the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) session scheduled to take place on Aug 7 in Kuala Lumpur.
“With the spirit of Asean, Malaysia is fully committed to supporting a peaceful, Asean-led resolution process in line with our shared regional values,” he said.
The meeting was also joined by armed forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar and Defence Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Policy) Mohd Yani Daud.
Mohamed Khaled said the GBC meeting will be attended by observers from Malaysia, the United States and China.
Prior to the GBC session, representatives from Cambodia and Thailand will hold preliminary meetings from Aug 4 to 6.
“These discussions reflect the parties’ commitment to peaceful negotiations and constructive dialogue.
“We hope this contributes to our shared responsibility to preserve peace and stability in the Asean region, and Malaysia stands ready to ensure smooth proceedings while supporting every step of this peace process in a neutral capacity,” he added.
Previously, the Malaysian armed forces confirmed it would facilitate the GBC meeting between Thailand and Cambodia in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 4 to 7.
According to a statement from its Defence Strategic Communication and Intelligence Division, the GBC aims to resolve border disputes between the two nations as part of a ceasefire agreement signed in Malaysia on July 28.
The meeting was initially scheduled to be held in Phnom Penh on Aug 4, but on July 31, Thailand proposed relocating it to Malaysia as a neutral venue and extending the discussion period beyond the originally planned single day.
– Bernama
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