PUTRAJAYA: The special meeting between Thailand and Cambodia, aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire and halting hostilities along the disputed border, began in Putrajaya on Monday.
The special meeting, brokered by Malaysia and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his capacity as the current ASEAN Chair, is being held to de-escalate rising tensions and restore stability along the conflict-hit border areas.
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Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai arrived at Seri Perdana, the venue of the meeting, which is the official residence of the Malaysian prime minister, at about 2.51 pm followed shortly after by Cambodian leader Hun Manet.
They were welcomed by Anwar.
Also attending the meeting were US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, with the United States as co-organiser and China as an observer.
Last Friday, Anwar had called Phumtham and Manet separately, appealing for both leaders to seek an immediate ceasefire and return to dialogue to resolve their dispute.
Anwar had said that Malaysia stands ready to assist and facilitate the process in the spirit of ASEAN unity and shared responsibility.
The two Southeast Asian neighbours have a long history of diplomatic rows over an 817-kilometre undemarcated stretch of their shared border.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been simmering since May 28 following a skirmish between their troops near the disputed Preah Vihear border area, which claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier.
The latest round of hostilities erupted on July 24. Armed clashes have been reported along Cambodia's northern border region, with fatalities on both sides.
To date, more than 20 people have been reported killed on the Thai side, while Cambodian authorities have confirmed the deaths of 13 people, including five soldiers in the conflict.
Thousands of civilians on both sides of the border have been forced to evacuate.
