In a landmark move, US President Donald Trump has overseen the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, marking a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy. The agreement, signed on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, brings an end to a deadly border conflict that had simmered for decades.
Joining Trump for the signing ceremony were Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The agreement builds on a truce reached earlier this year after Trump’s intervention, which helped halt five days of deadly clashes between the two countries. With tensions now eased, the deal promises a new chapter of peace and cooperation in Southeast Asia.
“A Historic Day for Peace”
“This is something a lot of people said couldn’t be done,” Trump declared after the agreement was signed, proudly celebrating a diplomatic breakthrough. He emphasized the importance of the ceasefire, stating, “On behalf of the United States, I am proud to help settle this conflict.”
Prime Minister Anutin of Thailand hailed the deal as “the building blocks for lasting peace,” while Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet called it “a historic day.” Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim echoed the sentiment, remarking that the agreement “reminds us that reconciliation is not concession but an act of courage.”
Key Provisions for Lasting Peace
The ceasefire includes several key provisions: Thailand will release 18 Cambodian soldiers held captive, and both countries will begin removing heavy weapons and landmines from the contested border area. To ensure the ceasefire holds, Malaysian troops will be deployed to monitor the region and prevent further violence.
The border dispute, which has its roots in a 1907 French border treaty, has been a source of tension for decades. The recent conflict centered around disputed territory near Laos and the Angkor-era temples along the border, leading to a deadly artillery strike in July that claimed multiple lives. Now, with the ceasefire in place, the focus will shift to rebuilding trust and securing lasting peace.
Trump’s Diplomatic Push in Southeast Asia
In addition to his role in the ceasefire agreement, President Trump is using his visit to Asia to strengthen economic ties. On Sunday, he signed separate trade agreements with Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia, paving the way for greater trade cooperation. These deals focus on removing trade barriers, particularly for US agricultural exports, and underscore the US commitment to supporting Southeast Asia’s growing economies.
Trump’s visit comes at a crucial time as the US looks to deepen its influence in the region. The trade deals are seen as a step toward greater economic integration and are expected to boost bilateral trade with the US.
Peace Amid Continued Challenges
While the ceasefire is a significant achievement, challenges remain. The border conflict has deep roots, and the removal of landmines and military forces from the border area will take time. Sporadic incidents have continued since the July ceasefire, and the successful implementation of this new agreement will depend on careful monitoring and sustained commitment from all parties involved.
Still, optimism is high. The diplomatic momentum generated by Trump’s intervention could set the stage for long-term peace. As Al Jazeera’s Tony Cheng reported from the Thai border region, locals remain cautiously hopeful that this agreement will bring an end to decades of tension, with the promise of a brighter future for the communities affected by the conflict.
Trump’s Asia Tour Continues
The signing of the ceasefire marks just the beginning of Trump’s six-day tour of Asia. Following his stop in Malaysia, Trump is scheduled to meet with Japanese leaders, including newly sworn-in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and will also visit South Korea. His tour will culminate with a face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in South Korea.
As Trump continues his diplomatic push, Southeast Asia remains a key focus for the US. With the peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, the region is poised for a new era of stability and cooperation, and Trump’s leadership is being recognized as a catalyst for positive change in the area.