Kuala lumpur: ASEAN foreign ministers have supported a peaceful resolution to the Cambodia-Thailand dispute and called for an immediate ceasefire, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn stated.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, in an interview with the National Television of Cambodia (TVK) following the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Prak Sokhonn highlighted that the ministers urged all parties to halt hostilities and to respect and implement the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.
Prak Sokhonn emphasized Cambodia's commitment to resolving the dispute peacefully, advocating for a return to the ceasefire agreed upon on July 28 and full implementation of the Joint Declaration adopted on October 26.
He noted that Malaysia had made three proposals urging a return to the ceasefire after renewed fighting on December 7, and that U.S. President Donald Trump also called for an end to hostilities. While Cambodia accepted all four proposals immediately, Thailand did not agree to them, Prak Sokhonn mentioned.
The Cambodian diplomat stressed Cambodia's priority to end civilian suffering, prevent further destruction of property and infrastructure, and work toward lasting peace in the region.
Prak Sokhonn detailed Cambodia's submission of three proposals to the meeting: an immediate ceasefire and cessation of fighting; withdrawal of forces by both sides to pre-conflict positions and safe return of civilians to border areas; and resolution of the dispute exclusively through peaceful means in accordance with international law and existing agreements.
He also brought up the detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers, urging ASEAN to call for their release by Thailand.