Cambodia and Thailand formalized an augmented ceasefire accord Sunday, facilitated by President Donald Trump over the summer, bringing their border dispute to a close.
To compel them to cease hostilities, Trump menaced both nations with increased tariffs, as the conflict had resulted in numerous fatalities and the displacement of hundreds of thousands.
The signing of the enhanced ceasefire, by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, was overseen by the president at the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit.
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Per the agreement, Thailand is to free 18 captured Cambodian soldiers, and both nations are to commence the removal of heavy weaponry from their shared border.
“We accomplished something many believed impossible,” Trump stated.
Cambodia’s prime minister hailed it as a “historic day,” while the Thai prime minister declared the agreement to lay “the foundation for a lasting peace.”
The ceremony marked Trump’s initial activity upon arrival at the summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, part of his Asia tour with subsequent stops in Japan and South Korea.
Upon landing in the Malaysian capital, Trump performed his signature campaign dance with local artists and was seen waving both an American and a Malaysian flag.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim lauded the agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, noting during the summit’s opening remarks that “it reminds us that reconciliation is not concession, but an act of courage.”
Following the signing of the expanded ceasefire agreement, Trump entered into separate economic agreements with Cambodia and Thailand.
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Trump also inked deals with Malaysia concerning trade and essential minerals. The U.S. has been actively diversifying its supply chains to lessen its reliance on China, given Beijing’s restrictions on exports of vital technology manufacturing components.
In a joint statement, the U.S. and Malaysia announced an accord “to bolster our bilateral economic ties, offering unprecedented market access to each other’s exporters.”
“The Agreement will leverage our enduring economic partnership, notably the United States-Malaysia Trade Investment Framework Agreement established in 2004,” the statement read.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
