US President Donald Trump co-signed a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia in Malaysia, marking the initial stop on his Asia tour, which will culminate in discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The agreement was signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, alongside Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, following a violent border dispute earlier this year.
According to a press release from Cambodia’s foreign ministry, the agreement will facilitate the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war on humanitarian grounds.
The two neighboring countries reached an initial ceasefire in late July — partially mediated by Trump — but both parties have since exchanged accusations of violations.
Upon arriving in Malaysia, Trump referred to it as a “Great Peace Deal… which I proudly brokered between Cambodia and Thailand.”
During the signing ceremony, Trump described it as a “monumental step” and commended both Anutin and Hun for their efforts.
Analysts have noted that a final comprehensive peace agreement between the two Southeast Asian nations is still pending.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, who has been actively involved in the negotiations on behalf of ASEAN, stated that the latest agreement focuses on the establishment of regional observers in the areas affected by the border conflict.
“We want to eliminate any further ceasefire violations because, after July 28, despite the ceasefire being in effect, there were… minor violations,” Mohamad remarked.
“Both nations must withdraw their respective heavy weaponry from the relevant areas, and additionally, both must take steps to demine or remove and destroy the mines that have been placed along the borders of both countries,” he further added.
