Vietnam is ready to join ASEAN to help Cambodia and Thailand restore peace soon

At the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on December 22, ASEAN foreign ministers shared deep concerns about prolonged tensions, causing civilian casualties, material and infrastructure damage, seriously affecting people’s lives in the Cambodia-Thailand border area and especially negative impacts on peace, security and stability in the region.

The foreign ministers emphasized that the two countries need to exercise maximum restraint and immediately take steps to end the conflict, implement a ceasefire, and create conditions for people to soon return to normal life.

Under the authorization of Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung to attend the conference, Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang appreciated Malaysia’s timely convening of the meeting, considering it an important contribution in continuing the efforts of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as Chairman of ASEAN 2025, to support Cambodia and Thailand in finding long-term solutions for regional peace, stability and security.

Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang said Vietnam supports Malaysia’s proactive, consistent and effective leadership role as ASEAN Chairman, and is deeply concerned about the situation and negative impacts not only on the relationship between the two countries and the people of Cambodia and Thailand, but also on the solidarity, central role and prestige of ASEAN, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of promoting the spirit of solidarity, collective and responsible action of ASEAN in issues related to regional peace and security.

Vietnam welcomes the goodwill of Cambodia and Thailand, demonstrated through the commitments achieved, including the Agreement dated July 28, the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration on October 26 and the establishment of the ASEAN Observer Group (AOT), as well as new ceasefire proposals raised at the conference.

Vietnam calls on both sides to exercise maximum restraint, not use force, fully implement the commitments they have reached and resolve disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), expressing the hope that the two sides will soon reach a ceasefire agreement.

The Deputy Minister affirmed that Vietnam is ready to continue to support and coordinate with other countries to promote appropriate initiatives and approaches in ASEAN, including promoting the role of existing ASEAN mediation and reconciliation mechanisms, helping Cambodia and Thailand soon restore peace and stable relations.

Malaysia then issued an ASEAN Chairman’s Statement on the contents of the exchange, noting that Cambodia and Thailand had resumed ceasefire discussions and would convene a Common Border Committee meeting on December 24 to discuss details.

The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand flared up again on December 7 and is still tense today, leaving at least 41 people dead and about 700,000 in both countries having to evacuate.