Global praise for Malaysian diplomacy
MALAYSIA has garnered international praise for brokering the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.
The truce was agreed upon by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai in talks hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya on Monday.
The de-escalation of tensions between both countries, which share an 817km border, was lauded by Germany, France, the European Union, Australia and the United States.
German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Anwar to convey his thanks, describing Malaysia as an "important partner" in the region and commending its leadership as Asean chair.
France's Foreign Ministry welcomed the ceasefire and resumption of dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand.
In a statement, it praised Anwar's mediation and reaffirmed its support for Asean's role in resolving regional disputes.
"The ceasefire must serve as the starting point for a lasting settlement through peaceful means, in accordance with international law," it said.
European Commission vice-president and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the truce "a major breakthrough after days of deadly clashes".
In a post on X, she urged both nations to honour the deal in good faith.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio applauded the ceasefire and credited Anwar's leadership in facilitating the talks.
"We are grateful to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership and for hosting the ceasefire talks," he said in a statement.
Rubio urged Cambodia and Thailand to honour their commitments and prevent further escalation of hostilities.
"President Donald Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence. We expect both governments to uphold their promises and will remain actively engaged in supporting the process," he said.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged both sides to remain committed to a peaceful resolution.
"We appreciate Prime Minister Anwar and Malaysia's leadership as Asean chair and the role played by President Trump," she said on X.
Thirty-four people have died in the conflict while more than 200,000 have been displaced.
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