The Philippines has offered to mediate the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute when it takes over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, following a special meeting of foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Philippines is prepared to facilitate talks between Cambodia and Thailand when it assumes the ASEAN Chairship in 2026.
The Department of Foreign Affairs made the announcement following a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
The meeting was convened to discuss the border situation between Cambodia and Thailand at the invitation of Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair.
“Following the discussions today, the Philippines said that it is prepared to assume the role of facilitator/mediator between Cambodia and Thailand should both parties decide to make use of the good offices of the Chair once the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairship in January 2026,” the department said in a statement.
The special meeting was held pursuant to a decision made by the prime ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand on Dec 11.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan chaired the gathering.
The Philippines was represented by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro.
Other attendees included Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn was also present.
Foreign ministers from Indonesia, Laos, Singapore and Timor-Leste attended the meeting.
Brunei was represented by Foreign Minister II Datuk Erywan Pehin Yusof, while Vietnam sent Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang.
Myanmar officials participated in the meeting virtually.
