Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet began talks in Putrajaya, Malaysia's administrative capital, around 3:15 p.m. (2:15 p.m. Hanoi time). The meeting took place at the residence of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN chair.
Photos released show the Cambodian and Thai prime ministers sitting opposite each other, with the Malaysian prime minister between them. The US and Chinese ambassadors to Malaysia were also present, seated on either side behind the Malaysian prime minister.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said US officials attended the meeting to support peace efforts. Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that both sides "will start negotiations based on the common interests of their people, maintain a spirit of cherishing peace, and promote friendly neighborly relations with calmness and restraint".
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Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (right) with a Malaysian official (center) and US (rear left) and Chinese (rear right) representatives at the negotiation room in Putrajaya, Malaysia, 28/7. Photo: AFP |
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (right) with a Malaysian official (center) and US (rear left) and Chinese (rear right) representatives at the negotiation room in Putrajaya, Malaysia, 28/7. Photo: AFP
The outcome of the talks has not been announced. However, leading up to the meeting, Cambodian and Thai officials continued to exchange sharp accusations.
Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata accused Thailand of continuing to attack with heavy weapons early on July 28, "violating Cambodian territory".
Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham, meanwhile, stressed that Cambodia must act in good faith and "show real intent" in the meeting. He accused Cambodia of past "insincerity", emphasizing that any proposals from Cambodia now must be accompanied by action.
The talks between Cambodia and Thailand came at the urging of US President Donald Trump. Trump spoke with the leaders of both countries by phone on July 26 to push for a ceasefire.
Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand broke out near the Ta Moan Thom temple on the morning of July 24 and later spread to other areas along the border. Thailand said the clashes killed 8 of its soldiers and 14 civilians. Cambodian casualties were 5 soldiers and 8 civilians, according to Phnom Penh. However, Thailand announced it had returned the bodies of 12 Cambodian soldiers on the afternoon of July 27.
Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters)
