Malaysia’s PM says a special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting on Cambodia-Thailand border tensions has been postponed at the request of both nations.
KUALA LUMPUR: A special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting to assess the latest developments in border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand has been postponed.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said both neighbouring countries requested a slight postponement of the meeting, which was initially scheduled for tomorrow.
“They asked for a slight postponement of the meeting,” he told reporters after officiating a book launch at the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia.
“So, we are postponing it to ensure everything is in order.”
Anwar stated he remains in daily virtual contact with both sides, continuing to appeal for an end to the fighting.
“The situation is very critical,” he added.
Commenting on media reports of a Thai sea blockade in the Gulf of Thailand, Anwar said negotiations are ongoing to de-escalate the situation.
Malaysia had earlier called on both nations to cease all hostilities and refrain from further military action from 10 pm on Dec 13.
Anwar said this appeal was conveyed through separate calls with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
This followed his discussion with United States President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing border tensions.
Hun Manet and Anutin Charnvirakul signed a peace accord witnessed by Anwar and Trump on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit on Oct 26.
Under that accord, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to end hostilities and foster good neighbourly ties.
The two nations have long been in dispute over their 817-kilometre shared border. – Bernama
