Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has welcomed the outcomes of the third special meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) between Cambodia and Thailand on December 27, which resulted in a commitment to an immediate ceasefire and strict de-escalation measures.
As reported by Malaysia’s national news agency Bernama, the ASEAN Chair expressed its support for the joint statement concluded by the two countries at the Prum (Pailin province, Cambodia) – Ban Pak Kard (Chanthaburi province, Thailand) International Point of Entry.
“We welcome the agreement on the two sets of measures, namely, the de-escalation measures, and the mechanisms for the implementation and verification of de-escalation,” it said in a statement issued on December 29.
It highlighted the commitment from both Cambodia and Thailand to an immediate ceasefire, which came into effect at 12.00 pm (local time) on December 27. The ceasefire covers all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructure, and military objectives of either side, in all cases and in all areas.
To ensure these commitments are honoured, ASEAN underscored the continuing importance of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and noted that both neighbours have agreed to further strengthen the AOT's role.
It said that the AOT will work in consultation with the ASEAN Chair to verify and ensure the effective implementation of all agreed measures based on its mandate.
The statement also reaffirmed the shared commitment to refrain from the use of force and to settle disputes by peaceful means in accordance with the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
The ASEAN Chair stated the readiness to support ongoing efforts, including through the good offices of the ASEAN Chair, as well as efforts by other ASEAN members and external partners, to facilitate the effective implementation of the agreed measures and to promote an environment conducive to lasting peace, stability, and good neighbourly relations between Cambodia and Thailand./.
Vietnam welcomes signing of Cambodia-Thailand joint statement on ceasefire
Vietnam will continue to closely monitor the situation, stay ready to engage in dialogue with both countries, and participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)'s joint efforts to resolve disagreements between Cambodia and Thailand, including enhancing the effectiveness of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).
