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Philippines ready to mediate in Thailand - Cambodia issue

"Following the discussions today, the Philippines said that it is prepared to assume the role of facilitator/mediator between Cambodia and Thailand should both parties decide to make use of the good offices of the Chair once the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in January 2026," the statement wrote.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa P. Lazaro after the Special Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) to discuss the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand. (Photo: BERNAMA)
Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa P. Lazaro after the Special Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) to discuss the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand. (Photo: BERNAMA)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on December 22 that Manila is ready to serve as a facilitator or mediator between Cambodia and Thailand once it assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in January 2026.

The statement was made as Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa P. Lazaro joined ASEAN foreign ministers at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur, at the invitation of Malaysia in its capacity as ASEAN Chair in 2025, to discuss the situation along the Cambodia – Thailand border.

"Following the discussions today, the Philippines said that it is prepared to assume the role of facilitator/mediator between Cambodia and Thailand should both parties decide to make use of the good offices of the Chair once the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in January 2026," the statement wrote.

The special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers was convened pursuant to the decision of the prime ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand on December 11.

The meeting, chaired by Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamad Hasan, was attended by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn./.

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