The international community has universally applauded the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Peace Deal between Cambodia and Thailand, hailing it as a pivotal achievement for lasting peace and a significant boost to regional stability. Following the agreement, international partners strongly urged both neighboring nations to ensure the comprehensive and effective implementation of the landmark accord.
Several global partners specifically recognized the vital diplomatic efforts of Malaysia, in its capacity as ASEAN Chair, and the United States for their crucial roles in facilitating the declaration.
Key International Reactions
- United Nations: UN Secretary-General H.E. António Guterres warmly welcomed the Declaration, viewing it as a means to solidify the existing July ceasefire. He praised the commitment to alleviate civilian suffering, notably through cooperation on humanitarian demining, and voiced his hope that the Declaration would establish a path toward sustainable peace.
- France: The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs particularly commended several commitments: the signing of the Terms of Reference for the ASEAN Observer Team (which will expedite deployment), the mutual agreement to withdraw heavy weapons from the border, continued mine clearance efforts, and Thailand’s announcement regarding the release of prisoners of war. France pledged to monitor the implementation of these commitments closely alongside ASEAN and the US, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and adherence to international law to settle remaining border disputes.
- Japan: Japan described the accord as tangible and steady progress following the ceasefire. The nation expressed optimism that the agreement’s implementation would peacefully ease lingering tensions between the two countries.
- European Union (EU): The EU reaffirmed its willingness to provide support for the Declaration’s implementation, including offering assistance for demining efforts in the border region.
- Hungary & Germany: Hungary expressed hope the agreement would normalize the border situation and fully restore peaceful, harmonious lives for the people of both nations. Germany encouraged both Cambodia and Thailand to sustain dialogue and cooperation, specifically calling for the reopening of borders and the resumption of full trade relations.
- Other Key Allies: Australia, the Republic of Korea, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom all extended commendations to the facilitators: H.E. Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, and H.E. Donald J. Trump, President of the United States. They expressed collective confidence that the Joint Declaration will meaningfully advance peace, stability, and development both bilaterally and across the wider region.
The Historic Signing
The historic Peace Deal was officially signed on October 26, on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The agreement was executed by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, and witnessed by both H.E. Donald J. Trump and H.E. Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.