Cambodia’s main goal is to stop the suffering of its people, prevent more damage, and build a future of lasting peace and stability. This message was shared by the Foreign Ministry following a special meeting of Southeast Asian leaders (ASEAN) held in Kuala Lumpur on December 22.
Working Together for Peace
During a press conference in Phnom Penh, spokesperson Nong Sakal highlighted that ASEAN is a powerful tool for helping neighbor countries solve problems fairly. He emphasized that disputes should always be settled through talk and international rules, rather than through threats or violence.
Progress at the Border
Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn reported that progress is already being made. Key steps include:
- Moving heavy weapons away from the borders.
- Clearing landmines to make the area safer for people.
- Working together to clearly mark the border lines between the two countries.
The Plan Moving Forward
To keep the peace, the Foreign Minister asked other countries to support several urgent steps:
- Stop all fighting immediately (as of late December 22).
- Follow previous agreements and ceasefires that both sides already signed.
- Move soldiers back to where they were before the conflict started.
- Help families return home safely so they can get back to their normal lives.
A Focus on People and Fairness
Minister Sokhonn insisted that any disagreements about borders must be handled through peaceful discussion and official international laws. He also made an urgent plea for the immediate release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who are currently being held.
The meeting ended with praise for Malaysia, the United States, and China for their help in keeping the peace. Leaders are now urging both sides to stick to their promises and return to the peace plans they agreed upon earlier this year.