Vietnam urges Thailand, Cambodia to exercise restraint as ASEAN weighs border tensions

The call was delivered by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang at the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand, held in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Authorized by Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, Giang led the Vietnamese delegation to the meeting, which was convened by Malaysia in its capacity as ASEAN Chair for 2025.

At the meeting, ASEAN foreign ministers expressed deep concern over sustained tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border, citing civilian casualties, damage to property and infrastructure, and serious disruptions to daily life in affected areas.

Warning that the conflict poses significant risks to regional peace, security, and stability, the ministers called on the two countries to take immediate steps to end hostilities, resume the ceasefire, and create conditions for affected communities to return to normal life.

Addressing the meeting, Giang said Vietnam is deeply concerned about recent developments and their negative impact not only on bilateral relations and the people of Cambodia and Thailand, but also on ASEAN’s unity, centrality, and credibility.

Vietnam welcomed signs of goodwill from both sides reflected in existing commitments, including the July 28 ceasefire agreement, the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement of October 26, the establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team led by the Malaysian Chief of Defense Forces, and new ceasefire proposals raised at the meeting.

He reiterated Vietnam’s call for Cambodia and Thailand to exercise maximum restraint, fully implement agreed commitments, and resolve disputes through peaceful means, expressing hope that the ceasefire would be restored soon.

He stressed the importance of ASEAN solidarity and collective, responsible action in addressing regional peace and security challenges.

Giang commended Malaysia for promptly convening the talks, describing the move as a meaningful contribution to ongoing efforts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as ASEAN Chair, to help Cambodia and Thailand seek a durable solution for peace and stability.

He also reaffirmed Vietnam’s readiness to continue actively supporting and closely coordinating with ASEAN countries, including through existing mediation and reconciliation mechanisms, to help restore peace and stabilize relations between Thailand and Cambodia.

At the close of the meeting, Malaysia issued an ASEAN Chair’s Statement summarizing the discussions, noting that Cambodia and Thailand had agreed to resume ceasefire talks and agreed to convene a Joint Border Committee meeting on Wednesday to address outstanding issues.