IPOH: Malaysia, as the chair of Asean, urges both Thailand and Cambodia to exercise utmost restraint and to take immediate steps to de-escalate border tensions, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic).

The Foreign Minister also said that Malaysia stands ready to offer the assistance of the good offices of the Asean chair in facilitating an amicable way forward to adress the issue that is acceptable to both parties.

“Malaysia, as chair of Asean, is following with deep concern the clashes between Thailand and Cambodia troops at the disputed border on July 24, which has resulted in casualties.

“We urge both parties to exercise utmost restraint and to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions.

“Malaysia wishes to underscore the importance of resolving the border dispute through dialogue and diplomacy in the spirit of Asean solidarity and good neighbourliness,” he said in a statement Friday (July 25).

He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also reached out to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

“He appealed directly to both leaders for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further hostilities and to create space for peaceful dialogue and diplomatic resolutions,” he added.