US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism on 19/12 that Cambodia and Thailand could reach a ceasefire agreement by monday or tuesday next week. The goal is to end recent border clashes and ensure compliance with existing commitments.

Rubio stated, "We are working to get the parties back to complying with the agreement. We are cautiously optimistic that this goal can be achieved by monday or tuesday next week." This diplomatic push comes as foreign ministers from ASEAN member states are also scheduled to meet on 22/12 in Malaysia to discuss the escalating crisis between Cambodia and Thailand.

Secretary of State Rubio speaks at a year-end press conference in Washington on 19/12. *AFP*

On 18/12, Rubio spoke by phone with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, indicating that the US administration would conduct further exchanges this weekend. He emphasized that both nations had previously signed written commitments. "Those commitments are currently not implemented because both sides have made complaints against each other. The goal now is to bring them back to the negotiating table," Rubio added.

Rubio defended the US administration's diplomatic efforts, highlighting that their actions helped end previous fighting between Cambodia and Thailand, despite the conflict later recurring. US President Donald Trump had also previously declared victory after facilitating an early ceasefire, listing the Cambodia-Thailand conflict among those he believed he successfully resolved.

The conflict between the two countries re-erupted on 7/12, resulting in at least 40 fatalities. These included 21 soldiers and one Thai civilian, along with 18 Cambodian civilians. Hundreds of thousands of civilians in both nations have been forced to evacuate from the border regions. To date, both countries refuse to concede, blaming each other for escalating the conflict and demanding the other side cease fire first.

Vu Hoang (AFP)