US President Donald Trump has co-signed a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, marking a significant step towards resolving the decades-long border dispute between the two nations. The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, builds on a truce reached in July, when Trump intervened to halt five days of fighting that resulted in dozens of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
The ceremony, attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, was a testament to Trump’s diplomatic efforts in the region. Trump had threatened to withhold trade agreements unless the fighting stopped, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to stability and peace in Southeast Asia. The agreement creates “the building blocks for a lasting peace,” according to Thai Prime Minister Anutin, and is seen as a “historic day” by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun.
The ceasefire agreement includes provisions for Thailand to release 18 Cambodian soldiers, remove heavy weapons and landmines from the border region, and deploy Malaysian troops to ensure fighting doesn’t restart. Additionally, the US has inked separate trade deals with Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia, including agreements on critical minerals and agricultural products. These deals are expected to strengthen economic ties between the US and these nations, while also promoting peace and stability in the region.
Trump’s involvement in the ceasefire agreement has been praised by leaders in the region, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hailing it as an “act of courage.” The agreement is seen as a significant achievement for Trump’s administration, which has been working to promote peace and stability in Southeast Asia. However, some experts have expressed caution, noting that the agreement doesn’t address the fundamental question of border demarcation and disputes over specific territories. Despite this, the agreement is a crucial step towards resolving the conflict, and its success will depend on the implementation of its provisions and the continued commitment of all parties involved.
