KUALA LUMPUR: United States President Donald Trump has lauded Malaysia’s key role in facilitating ceasefire negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia, which helped restore peace along the disputed border areas.
Trump said he had decided to include Malaysia in his regional visit in recognition of the country’s active diplomacy in brokering the ceasefire.
“I told the leader of Malaysia (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), who is a very good man, ‘I think I owe you a trip,’ and that’s why we’re stopping in Malaysia for that reason.
“Malaysia was very much involved in the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire,” he told reporters onboard Air Force One shortly after departing Washington for the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Air Force One, carrying Trump and his delegation, touched down at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 10am today, where he was received by Anwar at the Bunga Raya Complex.
Meanwhile, on Truth Social, Trump said he was en route to Malaysia to witness the signing of a landmark peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.
“I am on my way to Malaysia, where I will sign the great Peace Deal, which I proudly brokered between Cambodia and Thailand.
“Sadly, the Queen Mother of Thailand has just passed away. I send my condolences to the great people of Thailand. I will be seeing their wonderful Prime Minister when we land,” he said.
A joint declaration on the ceasefire is expected to be signed today between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Camodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit.
The signing will be witnessed by Anwar, in his capacity as Asean Chair, and Trump.
Thailand and Cambodia have long been in dispute over their 817-kilometre border, with recent tensions flaring into a military confrontation on July 24.
On July 28, Anwar hosted a high-stakes meeting in Putrajaya between Manet and then Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, successfully defusing tensions along the two countries’ shared border.
The ceasefire, widely regarded as a major Asean achievement, prevented a broader military escalation and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians living on both sides of the border.
Malaysia, as this year’s Asean Chair, is hosting the 47th Asean Summit from Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
