US President Donald Trump presided over a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur where Cambodia and Thailand signed an agreement. The event took place during the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit, with Trump referring to the pact as the "Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord." The agreement outlines steps to manage their shared border, building on a ceasefire signed in July.
Ceremony and Presidential Involvement
President Trump attended the ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, delivering a speech where he characterized the day as "momentous" and a "monumental step" for Southeast Asia. He acknowledged the prime ministers involved as "historic figures" and recounted his personal involvement, stating he prioritized the conflict resolution over other activities during a visit to Scotland in July. Trump described his role in conflict resolution, claiming his administration had ended "eight wars in eight months." His attendance at the Asean summit ceremony was reportedly a condition set by him.
Details of the Agreement
The newly signed agreement includes several provisions aimed at de-escalating tensions and improving border management:
- Withdrawal of heavy weapons from the disputed border areas.
- Establishment of an interim observer team to monitor the border.
- A new procedure for clearing landmines.
- Formation of a joint task force to address the proliferation of scam centers.
- Replacement of missing border markers with temporary ones.
This agreement follows a ceasefire signed by both countries in July, which also coincided with Trump's involvement. Thai diplomats have expressed that Trump's participation may assist in the implementation of these agreements.
Unresolved Issues
Despite the new agreement, long-standing differences regarding the precise demarcation of the border between Thailand and Cambodia remain unresolved.