KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — The joint ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia could not have been achieved without the involvement of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said United States (US) President Donald Trump.
Speaking at the signing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur Accord in conjunction with the 47th Asean Summit today, he thanked Anwar for his diplomatic role in helping both nations reach the agreement.
"What makes me so happy is the two countries we are dealing with, and the third (Malaysia) that has helped so much. I appreciate it so much. Maybe, it couldn't have been done without you," he said, addressing Anwar during his speech.
Trump also expressed his appreciation to Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet for their cooperation and commitment in making the peace process a success, describing the two leaders as courageous and the peace deal a monumental step.
"I also want to thank Anwar of Malaysia. I called him right at the beginning, and I said, you have two countries fighting right next to you, so we need a third place, a neutral place, and he was there.
"So, I felt I had the obligation to come (today) because you (Anwar) were so great, and the two men alongside you were great. You are all historic figures now,” he said.
Trump added that he is pleased the conflict ended quickly, attributing it to the mutual respect between the leaders of the two countries and to Anwar's important role in helping bring both sides together.
Due to the US' strong commitment to peace and stability, his administration had immediately begun working to prevent the conflict from escalating.
"I had calls with both leaders (of Thailand and Cambodia), and the four of us (including Anwar). There were a lot of phone calls. It is amazing that it (peace) came together very quickly.
"I asked them to choose the path of prosperity and peace over needless bloodshed and war. And at the end of July, after extremely productive discussions, we reached a ceasefire agreement, and now are about to sign what we call the KL Peace Accord,” Trump said.
He also expressed pride in helping settle the conflict, saying: "I canot think of any presidents stopping one war. They start wars; they do not solve them. So, nothing like this has been done in history, and I am honoured to be involved."
Thailand and Cambodia have long been in dispute over their 817km border, with recent tensions flaring into a military confrontation on July 24.
On July 28, Anwar hosted a high-stakes meeting in Putrajaya between Manet and then-acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to seek an immediate and unconditional ceasefire amid rising tensions along the two countries’ shared border.
The ceasefire was lauded for preventing a broader military escalation and ensuring the safety of thousands of civilians living.
