December 21, 2025 | 05:37 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he has held talks with the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand ahead of a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, December 22, 2025, aimed at easing tensions between the two neighboring countries.
“I had the opportunity to speak with the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand to exchange views and discuss the best way forward to ease the tensions that have arisen between the two countries,” Anwar said in a statement from Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, as quoted by Antara.
Anwar stressed the importance of dialogue, wisdom, and mutual respect in resolving the dispute, underscoring the need to maintain peace and stability in the region.
“The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting taking place tomorrow is an appropriate and constructive platform for both countries to negotiate openly, resolve differences peacefully, and reach a fair and lasting settlement,” he said.
As the 2025 Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia is convening a Special Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers to address the ongoing border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. Deputy-level representatives from both countries are expected to attend.
The meeting will be chaired by Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan.
According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting follows a decision reached by the prime ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand on December 11, 2025.
It aims to explore measures ASEAN can take to support de-escalation efforts and encourage the cessation of hostilities in the interest of regional peace and stability.
“The convening of the Special Meeting reflects the commitment of ASEAN Member States to ASEAN unity and solidarity, as well as ASEAN Centrality in maintaining peace, security, stability and prosperity in this region, in accordance with the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC),” the ministry said in a statement.
Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to advancing constructive dialogue in line with ASEAN principles, including respect for international law, good neighborly relations, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
Due to the sensitivity of the discussions, Malaysian authorities have restricted media access to the meeting. Coverage has been limited to official government media to ensure accurate and controlled reporting.
Cambodia and Thailand previously signed a peace agreement during the 47th ASEAN Summit, chaired by Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025. However, tensions between the two countries have since resurfaced.
Read: Indonesian Foreign Minister to Attend ASEAN Meeting on Thailand-Cambodia Conflict
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
SEA Games 2025 Closes in Bangkok, Malaysia Next Host
12 jam lalu
Closure of SEA Games 2025 took place at the Rajamangala National Stadium on Saturday night, December 20, 2025. Kierana Alexandra led the Indonesian contingent.
Indonesian Minister Clarifies Remark on Malaysia Aid for Aceh
1 hari lalu
Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian responds to criticism from former Malaysian Foreign Minister Tan Sri Rais Yatim regarding medical aid from Malaysia to Aceh.
12 Must-Try Malaysian Dishes for First-Time Visitors
4 hari lalu
Discover the iconic dishes of Malaysia that reflect the harmonious blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, as well as other ethnic groups such as Minangkabau, Kadazan, and Iban.
Malaysia's Passport Grows Stronger, Ranking Above the United States
5 hari lalu
Malaysia's passport now sits at 10th place, surpassing the United States at 11th.
SEA Games 2025: Vietnam, Thailand Reach Football Semis
6 hari lalu
The Vietnamese football team will compete against the Philippines, while the host country Thailand will face Malaysia in the semifinal round of the SEA Games 2025.
Indonesia Clinches Gold in Men's Team Badminton at SEA Games 2025
10 hari lalu
Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah, who played in the third match, secured the victory of Indonesia's men's badminton team over Malaysia in the final of SEA Games 2025.
Malaysian PM Rejects World Bank Fuel Price Hike, Keeps RON95 Subsidy
15 hari lalu
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirms the country's commitment to targeted subsidies for RON95 gasoline and rejects the World Bank's proposal to increase fuel prices to market rates.
Malaysia Provides Initial Medical Aid for Sumatra Disaster Victims, Says Health Ministry
15 hari lalu
The Health Ministry confirmed that the Malaysian medical aid was provided only at the very beginning of the Sumatra disaster response.
150 Indonesians Facing Death Penalty in Malaysia for Serious Crimes
16 hari lalu
Hundreds of Indonesian citizens in Malaysia are facing the death penalty for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking, murder, and other crimes.
Nearly 80% of Tourist Attractions in Aceh Affected by Floods, Landslides
16 hari lalu
Tourist destinations were not spared from the disasters. Some have been wrecked, exacerbated by blocked roads access.
