Malaysia’s foreign minister says ASEAN must go beyond de-escalation to maintain regional peace, calling for intensified trust-building and dialogue
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN must do whatever is necessary to maintain regional peace and stability, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said.
Speaking as ASEAN Chair, he stressed that efforts to address the Cambodia-Thailand situation must go beyond merely de-escalating tensions.
Mohamad said the regional grouping must intensify trust-building among the parties and ensure dialogue continues despite prevailing differences.
He noted that regional stability remains a collective responsibility for all member states.
ASEAN’s approach should be guided by lessons from the past, anchored in wisdom, solidarity and trust.
These principles have enabled the region to navigate previous periods of upheaval successfully.
“Our goal goes beyond de-escalating the tensions,” Mohamad said in his opening remarks at a special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting.
“We must intensify trust-building among the conflicting parties and provide the horizons for dialogue despite the prevailing differences.”
The Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Current Situation between Thailand and Cambodia was held in the Malaysian capital.
Mohamad expressed sadness over civilian casualties and the extended hostilities between the two ASEAN neighbours.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim worked tirelessly to facilitate an amicable solution through constant engagement with both countries’ leaders.
This diplomatic effort resulted in a ceasefire agreement on July 28 and the subsequent Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord signed on October 26, 2025.
Mohamad urged both sides to undertake “full and effective implementation” of the agreements reached.
Throughout the process, Anwar also communicated actively with other ASEAN leaders to address the situation.
The prime minister underscored the importance for Cambodia and Thailand to uphold the spirit of dialogue, wisdom and mutual respect.
This approach is vital to end tensions and preserve peace and stability in the region, Mohamad said.
Malaysia’s Chief of Defence Forces has also been actively engaging counterparts through the ASEAN Observer Team mechanism.
The team monitors the situation on the ground in the conflict area.
Mohamad warned that continued escalation would have wider ramifications for the people of the region in a highly interconnected ASEAN.
He urged member states to give the matter their most urgent attention.
“In a highly interconnected ASEAN and world, a security shock is an ASEAN matter and a global concern,” Mohamad said.
He stated that everyone must make cessation of hostilities and peaceful resolution a top priority.
“Remember: in the eyes of the world we have grown and thrived, and in the eyes of the world we must also overcome our challenges,” he added.
The foreign ministers’ meeting was attended by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn was also present.
Other attendees included foreign ministers from Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, Timor-Leste and the Philippines.
Brunei was represented by Foreign Minister II Datuk Erywan Pehin Yusof, while Vietnam sent a deputy foreign minister.
Myanmar officials participated in the meeting virtually.
