UN chief says Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire 'positive step' for lasting peace

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - The UN chief on Saturday said that the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire that ended weeks of fighting along their border is a "positive step" for achieving lasting peace.

In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement as "a positive step towards alleviating the suffering of civilians, ending current hostilities, and creating an environment conducive to achieving lasting peace."

He also appreciated ASEAN chair Malaysia, China and the US for "their efforts in support of a peaceful resolution of the situation."

The UN "stands ready to support efforts aimed at sustaining peace and stability in the region," Guterres added.

Separately, China also welcomed the agreement. "This proves that dialogue and consultation is a viable and effective way to resolve complex disputes," a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on US social media company X.

"China, ASEAN and the international community have made common efforts to this end. China stands ready to continue to provide platform and create conditions for Cambodia and Thailand to have fuller and more detailed communication," the statement added.

The spokesperson said Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet his Cambodian counterpart Prak Sokhonn, and Thai counterpart Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Yunnan from Sunday to Monday alongside with military representatives.

"China will play a constructive role in its own way for Cambodia and Thailand to consolidate the ceasefire, resume exchanges, rebuild political trust, achieve turnaround in bilateral relations and uphold regional peace," it added.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Press Secretary Toshihiro Kitamura said Tokyo welcomed the agreement and "strongly hopes the ceasefire will be steadily implemented."

The Thai and Cambodian forces earlier on Saturday halted weeks of deadly border fighting after agreeing to a ceasefire, ending 20 days of clashes that killed 99 people and displaced nearly a million civilians along their disputed border.

The neighbors share an 800-kilometre (500-mile) border, where ancient temples are claimed by both sides.

In July, five days of fighting killed dozens of people before a truce was brokered by the US, China and Malaysia.