KUALA LUMPUR – United States President Donald Trump co-signed a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia during his first stop in Malaysia on his Asia tour, marking a major diplomatic step toward ending months of deadly border conflict.
The deal, signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Trump, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aims to restore stability following clashes that killed more than 40 people and displaced over 300,000. As part of the accord, Cambodia will release 18 prisoners of war, according to its foreign ministry.
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The joint declaration, witnessed by President Trump, reaffirmed both countries’ “firm commitment to refrain from the threat or use of force.” Trump praised the agreement as “a momentous day for the people of Southeast Asia,” adding that the U.S. had also reached a trade deal with Cambodia and a critical minerals agreement with Thailand during the talks.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, who represented ASEAN in the negotiations, stated that the latest accord includes plans to deploy regional observers and mandates both nations to withdraw heavy weapons and clear landmines from their border areas to ensure lasting peace.
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While analysts describe the deal as a significant breakthrough, they caution that a final comprehensive peace pact between the two Southeast Asian neighbors remains pending.