ASEAN leaders underscored unity, restraint, and dialogue during a Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting addressing the ongoing situation between Cambodia and Thailand in Kuala Lumpur
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, met with The Hon. Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and Chair of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) 2025, on 22 December 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting convened to address the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand.
During the discussion, both sides emphasised the importance of ASEAN unity and solidarity, as well as continued support for the ASEAN Chair’s efforts to facilitate dialogue and confidence-building among the concerned parties. The Special Meeting was convened pursuant to the decision of the Prime Ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand on 11 December 2025, reflecting ASEAN’s collective commitment to managing regional challenges through consultation and cooperation.
Malaysia briefed the Meeting on the proactive efforts undertaken by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, to encourage Cambodia and Thailand to cease hostilities. The ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) also provided an update in accordance with its mandate, while Cambodia and Thailand shared their respective positions. The Meeting acknowledged the continued engagement of regional and international partners, including ASEAN Member States and China, in promoting a peaceful resolution.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed serious concern over ongoing tensions and hostilities, which have resulted in casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, and the displacement of civilians along the border. They called on both parties to ensure the safe, dignified, and unimpeded return of affected civilians to their homes and livelihoods. The Meeting also recalled previous commitments, including the ceasefire arrangement of 28 July, the decisions of the Extraordinary General Border Committee Meeting of 7 August, and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on 26 October 2025, urging their full and effective implementation.
Reaffirming ASEAN Centrality, the Foreign Ministers stressed their shared commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, restraint from the use or threat of force, and respect for international law. Cambodia and Thailand were urged to exercise maximum restraint, restore mutual trust, and return to dialogue through bilateral mechanisms and the good offices of the ASEAN Chair. The Meeting welcomed discussions on resuming the ceasefire, noting that the General Border Committee would convene on 24 December 2025 to discuss its implementation and verification, while ASEAN Foreign Ministers undertook to remain seized of the matter.
Source: ASEAN
