ASEAN Foreign Ministers have agreed that Thailand and Cambodia will reconvene ceasefire discussions on Dec 24 (Wednesday), as the bloc stepped up calls for an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to dialogue to ease escalating border tensions.
During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 22, the ministers expressed serious concern over continued clashes that have led to casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure and the displacement of civilians on both sides of the border.
They urged both countries to ensure civilians can return safely and with dignity to their homes and livelihoods without obstruction.
The meeting also welcomed renewed discussions on resuming the ceasefire, with the General Border Committee (GBC) set to meet on Dec 24 to discuss the implementation and verification of a cessation of hostilities.
ASEAN reaffirmed its unity, solidarity and centrality in maintaining regional peace and stability, calling on Thailand and Cambodia to exercise maximum restraint, restore mutual trust and resume dialogue through bilateral channels and with the support of the ASEAN Chair.
The ministers also backed military de-escalation under ASEAN observation, the revival of humanitarian demining cooperation and adherence to international law, expressing hope for swift de-escalation and a peaceful, durable resolution.
