Malaysia urges Thailand, Cambodia to de-escalate tensions

Malaysia has urged Cambodia and Thailand to exercise utmost restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions.

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Malaysia, as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping, is following the unfolding clashes with deep concern, reports Xinhua.

"Malaysia wishes to underscore the importance of resolving the border dispute through dialogue and diplomacy in the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and good neighborliness," it said on Friday.

Earlier, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he had spoken to the leaders of both Thailand and Cambodia in a bid to appeal to them to work towards a ceasefire.

"I appealed directly to both leaders for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further hostilities and to create space for peaceful dialogue and diplomatic resolution," he said in a statement on Thursday.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a post on his official social media platforms on Friday that "I made it clear to His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim that Cambodia agreed with his proposal for a ceasefire because Cambodia did not initiate this fighting."

"Therefore, the key to resolving the current armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is the genuine willingness of the Thai side to accept a ceasefire," Hun Manet said.

Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told Xinhua on Friday that Thailand views the dispute with Cambodia as a bilateral matter, "not an ASEAN issue," and still wants to exhaust all bilateral mechanisms first.

"If the bilateral mechanism does not work, the issue is still bilateral in nature. We would be okay if Malaysia would try and help bring Thailand and Cambodia to discuss bilaterally on the table."

Despite the recent downgrading of diplomatic ties between Thailand and Cambodia, both sides have retained embassies in each other's capitals and communication channels remain open, Nikorndej noted.

He said Thailand seeks support from the international community to persuade Cambodia to return to the negotiation table.