Thailand outlines next steps in talks with Cambodia
Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on July 28 that the ceasefire agreement reached with Cambodia was made possible through broad international coordination, with strong backing from major powers.
Đỗ Thị Mai Hiên
Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim (centre), Cambodia's PM Hun Manet (left) and Thailand's acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai shake hands following a press conference in Malaysia on July 28. (Photo: XINHUA/VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) 𒊎- Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on July 28 that the ceasefire agreement reached with Cambodia was made possible through broad international coordination, with strong backing from major powers, including the US, China, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN.)
Speaking after returning from peace talks in Putrajaya, Malaysia, where both Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire starting at midnight on July 28, the Thai leader said all sides shared a common goal of achieving a ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties.
He said that a joint military discussion between Thailand’s First and Second Army Areas and their Cambodian counterparts was scheduled for 7am on July 29. He added that initial coordination and dialogue have already taken place. Should the bilateral talks conclude smoothly, a broader meeting with international observers will follow to bear witness to the peace process.
Regarding the overall outcome of the ceasefire talks, Phumtham said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who chaired the negotiations as ASEAN Chair, has officially communicated the results to ASEAN member states. He noted that all parties welcomed the breakthrough.
He went on to say that further negotiations will be necessary, and the military will take the lead in resolving these remaining issues./.
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