Kuala lumpur: ASEAN Foreign Ministers have urged Cambodia and Thailand to promptly cease all hostilities, resume dialogue, and adhere to international law principles.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the ministers welcomed discussions about resuming a ceasefire and ending hostilities, emphasizing the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting set for December 24, 2025. The ASEAN Chair's Statement, released during the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, outlined efforts by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as ASEAN Chair, to mediate between Cambodia and Thailand. The ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) also provided insights based on their mandate.
The meeting acknowledged the proactive roles of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and President Donald J. Trump, alongside ASEAN members and China, in fostering a peaceful resolution. It also recognized the willingness of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to continue engaging with the ASEAN Chair to defuse tensions and prevent further escalation.
The ASEAN meeting reaffirmed the commitment to unity, solidarity, and centrality in ensuring regional peace and stability, in line with the ASEAN Charter. It recalled previous agreements and urged both nations to implement them fully and effectively.
Expressing serious concerns over continued tensions leading to casualties and infrastructure damage, the meeting called on both nations to allow civilians to return safely and with dignity to their homes. It highlighted the need for restraint, peaceful dispute settlement, and respect for international law to promote regional peace and prosperity.
ASEAN ministers urged Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint, restore mutual trust, and engage in dialogue through bilateral mechanisms and the ASEAN Chair's mediation. They emphasized the importance of de-escalation and cooperation on humanitarian demining along their shared border under AOT observation.
The ministers expressed hope for de-escalation and the GBC's upcoming discussions on ceasefire implementation and verification, aiming for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation. They committed to remaining engaged with the matter.