KOTA KINABALU, Aug 3 — Thailand and Cambodia chose Malaysia as the location for peace talks because the country has stable politics and a developing economy, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
As a friendly country, he said that Malaysia is proud to be able to help resolve the conflict between the two Asian countries, thus ensuring that the region remains peaceful and stable.
Cambodian Defence Minister General Tea Seiha and Thai Acting Defence Minister General Natthaphon Narkphanit are expected to arrive in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow to hold detailed discussions to find a solution to the conflict between the two neighbouring countries.
"We are proud as a friendly country and of Malaysia's success in resolving the discord between the two Asian countries. Imagine, they agreed in Kuala Lumpur.
"For the first time, we have been able to reconcile the war between the two countries in Kuala Lumpur. Alhamdulillah," Anwar said.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Farmers, Breeders, and Fishermen's Day today.
Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.
On Monday (July 28), Thailand and Cambodia agreed to implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya chaired by Anwar as the current Asean chairman.
In the meeting, Thailand, represented by Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, and Cambodia by its Prime Minister Hun Manet, also reached an agreement to hold a General Border Committee meeting as part of the ceasefire agreement.
Anwar added that this success had made Malaysia known on the world stage to the point of attracting the attention of global leaders, including United States President Donald Trump, who contacted him to express his appreciation for Kuala Lumpur's efforts to resolve the conflict.
In addition, Malaysia also received attention and appreciation from leaders of other countries, including Germany, France, and other Asian countries.
"Various efforts were made, I contacted President Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and finally we asked (negotiated) both (Thailand and Cambodia) to agree. Imagine them giving us their trust," he said.
