Thailand will release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers as part of a peace deal signed in Kuala Lumpur to restore border stability
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand will release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers as part of a peace deal signed between the two neighbouring countries.
This move marks a new milestone in restoring stability and trust along their shared border.
Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the decision followed the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord today.
He stated the accord reflects both sides’ commitment to peace, sovereignty and mutual respect.
Under the KL Peace Accord, both sides will begin implementing all agreed points promptly.
This includes the removal of heavy weapons from the border to ensure safety and rebuild confidence between communities.
Anutin declared that today marks a new chapter for Thailand and Cambodia.
He described it as a concrete step towards peace during the signing ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The ceremony occurred on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
The signing between Anutin and Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet was witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar attended in his capacity as ASEAN Chair alongside United States President Donald Trump.
Anutin expressed gratitude to Anwar for his leadership in upholding ASEAN unity.
He also thanked Trump for his personal dedication to peace between Thailand and Cambodia.
The Thai leader noted the long journey since agreeing to a ceasefire in Malaysia on July 28.
He said subsequent discussions led to this important joint declaration signing.
Anutin thanked Hun Manet for his cooperation and support that made this moment possible.
He emphasised that full implementation of the declaration would provide a foundation for lasting peace.
The declaration begins the process of mending ties between the two nations.
Anutin acknowledged that border communities have been divided by conflict with innocent civilians suffering immense losses.
He stated the declaration places a firm responsibility on both parties to act.
Anutin also announced the signing of two key economic documents.
These include a joint statement outlining the framework for a US-Thailand reciprocal trade agreement.
The second document is a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in critical minerals.
This aims to promote resilient and sustainable supply chains for years to come. – Bernama
