Cambodia, Thailand to sign peace agreement today in Kuala Lumpur - PM

In his opening remarks at the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits today, Anwar said the agreement reflects the enduring belief that understanding and dialogue can prevail even in times of uncertainty.

"Later this morning, when Cambodia and Thailand sign their peace agreement here in Kuala Lumpur, the world will see what conviction can achieve.

"It reminds us that reconciliation is not a concession, but an act of courage, and that peace, once chosen, can reshape the future of nations," he said.

In attendance were Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Also present were United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres, European Council president Antonio Costa, Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, and Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao.

The peace pact marks a milestone in ASEAN's regional diplomacy, reflecting the bloc's commitment to conflict prevention, stability and cooperation under Malaysia's ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability".

Thailand and Cambodia have long been in dispute over their 817-kilometre border, with recent tensions flaring into a military confrontation on July 24.

On July 28, Anwar hosted a high-stakes meeting in Putrajaya between Manet and then Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, successfully defusing tensions along the two countries' shared border.

The ceasefire, widely seen as a major ASEAN achievement, prevented a broader military escalation and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians.

Malaysia, as this year's ASEAN Chair, is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Anwar said that as the Chair this year, Malaysia sought to realign ASEAN's priorities - to keep the association resilient, relevant and responsive to the times.

"Together with fellow member states, we have worked to foster the conditions for peace in Myanmar. We know this requires patience and persistence - and an honest appreciation of realities on the ground," he said.

He said that guided by the Five-Point Consensus, ASEAN has drawn on every available channel and partner to reduce violence and ease the humanitarian crisis.

"But lasting peace cannot be imposed. It must be Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led - only then will reconciliation endure," he said.

-- BERNAMA