Southeast Asian leaders have expressed support for continued dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand and the full implementation of existing agreements, including a 2025 ceasefire pact, to help ease tensions along their shared border.
In a chair’s statement released on Saturday following the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu, the regional bloc urged the two member-states to resolve disputes peacefully, in accordance with international law.
“We reaffirmed our shared commitment to respect international law, the Charters of the United Nations and ASEAN, the renunciation of the threat or use of force, and respect for the international boundary, thereby contributing to peace and stability between the two countries and in the wider region,” the statement read.
“We urged both sides to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law and existing treaties and agreements,” it added.
ASEAN welcomed the commitment of both countries to implement key agreements, including the July 28, 2025 ceasefire agreement, Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of Oct. 26, 2025, and Joint Statement of the Third Special General Border Committee meeting on Dec. 27, 2025, aimed at restoring confidence, normalcy and durable peace along the border.
The bloc also emphasized the importance of the ASEAN Observer Team in observing, verifying and reporting the implementation of the ceasefire deal to create a conducive environment for negotiations.
They expressed their readiness to extend humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
“We stand ready to support ongoing efforts, including through the good offices of the ASEAN Chair, as well as efforts by other ASEAN Member States and external partners, to facilitate the effective implementation of the agreed measures and to promote an environment conducive to durable peace and stability between Cambodia and Thailand,” the statement read.
On the sidelines of the summit on Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. facilitated a trilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnivakul to help advance dialogue on easing tensions and promoting stability in the region. (PNA)
