Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to chair negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia at a meeting in Putrajaya tomorrow to seek a ceasefire and a settlement of a bloody border conflict.
He said representatives of the two governments “have asked me to try and negotiate a peace settlement, so we are hosting it tomorrow at 3pm here (Kompleks Seri Perdana in Putrajaya). So, I’m discussing the parameters, the conditions but what is important is an immediate ceasefire.”
Anwar said the meeting came about after US president Donald Trump had urged the two leaders to find a solution to the border clashes which have cost more than 30 lives and displaced thousands between the two neighbours.
Anwar said he understands China had also urged both parties to cease fighting.
He said a team from Malaysia and “maybe some from neighbouring countries” would monitor the discussions to ensure it is executed well.
He said the border conflict, which he described as “not as bad as many other countries” must be stopped because Asean “is still the most peaceful region in the world and fastest growing economy in the world”.
Malaysia is the current chairman of the Asean regional grouping.
The Thai government had confirmed earlier today it would attend a regional peace consultation in Malaysia on Monday. A Thai spokesperson said the purpose of the meeting was “to listen to proposals that may lead to informed decisions and ultimately restore peace”.
