Thailand, Cambodia Reaffirm Commitment to KL Peace Agreement – Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand and Cambodia have reaffirmed their commitment to fully uphold the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Saturday.

According to Anwar, both nations expressed their readiness to ensure effective implementation of the agreement during a four-way phone discussion involving US President Donald J. Trump, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

“We also agreed that meaningful progress must be achieved on the deactivation of landmines, without linking the matter to any form of trade cooperation,” Anwar said in a social media statement. He added that he appreciated Trump’s “personal commitment and continued active involvement” in resolving the issue.

Earlier this week, Thailand temporarily suspended the agreement with Cambodia following a landmine explosion near the border that injured two of its personnel.

The peace agreement, brokered with Trump’s oversight in late October, aims to end months of tension after border clashes in July that killed at least 43 people and displaced more than 300,000 residents from both countries.

On Tuesday, Anwar dismissed claims that Malaysia’s role in facilitating the agreement had contributed to Thailand’s temporary suspension. He said Bangkok’s decision was made after considering calls for Cambodia to fully adhere to the agreement’s terms, including provisions that could lead to the release of 18 detainees held in Thailand.

Anwar also rejected allegations by former Thai Major General Rangsi Kitiyansap, who had accused Malaysia and the Prime Minister of being a “hidden hand” influencing the peace negotiations.

He stressed that Prime Minister Anutin had never questioned Malaysia’s mandate as mediator, as confirmed in a recent message conveyed to him.