US President Donald Trump praises PM Anwar’s role in sealing the Cambodia–Thailand peace deal at the Kuala Lumpur Summit
KUALA LUMPUR: United States President Donald Trump today hailed the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords between Cambodia and Thailand as a “momentous day for Southeast Asia,” crediting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for playing a key role in brokering the deal.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Trump praised Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for their “courageous leadership” in ending years of deadly border clashes.
“This is a momentous day for all the people of Southeast Asia as we sign a historic agreement to end the military conflict between Cambodia and Thailand,” Trump said.
“We’re honoured to be part of it. Two great countries, but they were going at it. I want to congratulate the two courageous leaders – and that’s what they are.”
Trump expressed personal gratitude to Anwar for hosting the negotiations in what he called a “neutral place” that made the peace process possible.
“I called him right at the beginning and said, you’ve got two countries fighting right next to you – we need a third place, a neutral place. And he was there,” Trump recounted.
“I told him, if we get this solved, I’m coming to your country. And I told the truth. I felt I had an obligation to come because he was so great.”
The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords officially end months of hostilities and armed skirmishes along the Cambodian-Thai border that had displaced thousands.
Under the agreement, both sides will cease military operations, release prisoners of war, and work towards restoring good neighbourly relations.
Trump said Asean observers, including Malaysia, would be deployed to ensure the peace “prevails and endures.”
“Eighteen Cambodian prisoners of war will be released,” he announced. “Under this agreement, observers from Asean countries, including Malaysia, will make sure the peace prevails. I have no doubt that it will.”
The US leader – who arrived in Kuala Lumpur as part of a regional tour – also announced accompanying trade and economic commitments.
“Alongside this peace treaty, we’re also signing a major trade deal with Cambodia and a critical minerals agreement with Thailand. The United States will have robust commerce and cooperation with both nations as long as they live in peace,” he said.
Trump framed the accord as part of a broader push to end global conflicts, claiming his administration had “ended eight wars in eight months.”
“There’s never been anything like that. I can’t think of any president that ever solved one war – they start wars, they don’t solve them,” he said.
He added that the United States was now “respected again” globally after what he described as a period of decline.
“A year and a half ago, we were a dead country. We were actually a dead country. And now we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world.”
Trump also took a swipe at the United Nations, saying the deal was reached without its involvement.
“The United Nations should be doing this, but they don’t. They didn’t get involved with us at all. We just did the deal and reported it, and everybody was amazed we got it done so quickly and so nicely,” he said.
He also offered condolences to Thailand on the passing of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, describing her as “a beautiful, incredible woman respected all over the world.”
Concluding his remarks, Trump lauded Anwar, Hun Manet and Anutin for what he called an “incredible job for humanity.”
“The three men sitting there should really be credited with having done an incredible job for humanity. Thank you all very much. It’s an honour to have worked with you,” he said.
