Donald Trump co-signed a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand this Sunday, October 26, shortly after his arrival in Malaysia, the first stop on an Asian tour during which he will meet with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.
The agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, as well as the American president.
The latter is on a one-day visit to the Malaysian capital for a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He will then travel to Japan and South Korea.
At least 43 dead
Cambodia and Thailand clashed on their border for five days in July in battles led by their ground troops, artillery and air forces. They left at least 43 dead and caused the evacuation of more than 300,000 civilians. The long-standing dispute concerns the layout of certain parts of their border.
The two Southeast Asian countries signed a ceasefire agreement at the end of July, particularly after an intervention by Donald Trump.
On his way to Malaysia, Donald Trump welcomed a “Grand Peace Deal” that he claimed he “proudly negotiated” between the two countries.
A ceasefire agreement and not peace
But the agreement signed on Sunday is presented by Malaysia, which holds the rotating Asean presidency and played a major role in the negotiations, as a ceasefire agreement, not a peace deal.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, who closely followed the discussions, said on Saturday that the new agreement provided for the establishment of regional observers in the disputed border areas.
“We want there to be no more violations of the ceasefire,” he explained. “The two countries must withdraw their heavy weapons from the affected areas and, secondly, make efforts to clear the mines” along their border, he stressed.
Many displaced
Dozens of Cambodians continue to live in makeshift camps after being expelled from border towns that Thailand considers part of its territory.
For its part, Thailand said it was willing to negotiate with Cambodia, on the condition that it removes its heavy weapons from border areas, demines these territories, takes tougher measures against online fraud networks and removes its nationals from border areas claimed by Thai authorities.
Source: BFM TV
