US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that he can “quickly resolve” the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, describing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir as “great people.” Speaking at the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Trump emphasized his focus on ending wars rather than starting them, calling peacebuilding one of his greatest priorities.
The Pakistan-Afghanistan border has remained tense since violent clashes erupted earlier this month, resulting in dozens of casualties on both sides. The fighting, described as the worst since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul, led to the closure of several border crossings. Pakistan has urged the Afghan Taliban to curb militant activity along the shared frontier, insisting that several groups operate from sanctuaries within Afghan territory. A ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkiye last week remains in place.
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During the second round of peace talks in Istanbul, Pakistan presented a detailed counterterrorism plan to the Afghan leadership, seeking stronger cooperation to prevent cross-border attacks. Trump referenced these developments during his speech, saying he was confident of mediating peace between the two nations. “I know both sides well. The Field Marshal and the Prime Minister are great people, and I have no doubt we will get that done quickly,” he said.
Highlighting his broader foreign policy record, Trump claimed he had ended eight wars in just eight months, boasting that his administration has prioritized diplomacy and dialogue over prolonged conflict. “If I can take time and save millions of lives, that’s a great thing,” he remarked, adding that most presidents “start wars — they don’t solve them.” His comments were met with applause from attending diplomats and regional leaders.
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Meanwhile, the peace deal signed between Thailand and Cambodia was hailed as a breakthrough in Southeast Asia’s regional stability. Trump’s mediation in the long-standing border dispute earned him a Nobel Peace Prize nomination earlier this year. The agreement builds upon a truce reached three months ago, which halted deadly clashes that killed at least 48 people and displaced more than 300,000 civilians.
With tensions still simmering in South and Central Asia, Trump’s latest remarks suggest a renewed focus on conflict resolution in the region. His pledge to facilitate talks between Islamabad and Kabul could mark a new diplomatic chapter, as both sides seek to prevent further escalation and restore stability along their troubled frontier.