KUALA LUMPUR: The United States has described Malaysia’s role as Asean chair as vital in helping ease tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan said Malaysia’s leadership was evident in the successful hosting of today’s Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting, which brought the concerned parties together.
“This is yet another example of the important role played by Malaysia as Asean chair in facilitating engagement between both sides.
“All parties deeply appreciate Malaysia’s leadership, including the direct involvement of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the highest level, and the tireless efforts of Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.
“The Malaysian military worked closely with their Thai and Cambodian counterparts to reach this agreement,” he told reporters after the meeting at Wisma Perwira today.
Kagan also gave assurance that the US would continue working closely with Malaysia in its role as Asean chair, as well as with other member states, to ensure the regional bloc plays an effective role in uniting the two countries.
He said that while the ceasefire agreement marked a significant milestone, it was only the beginning of a longer process.
“The ultimate goal is to reach a sustainable and lasting ceasefire, accepted and enforced by both sides.
“The mechanism currently in place is crucial in ensuring that the monitoring process is smooth, transparent and effective.
“More importantly, we believe what has happened reflects a genuine commitment from both governments, and the US will closely monitor this to ensure that commitment is sustained,” he said.
Kagan added that President Donald Trump placed the highest priority on the Thai-Cambodian conflict, believing that any form of war or confrontation would benefit no party.
Malaysia, the US, and China were observers at today’s Extraordinary GBC Meeting.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
