Cebu, Philippines, hosted significant diplomatic discussions on May 7 as the Philippines facilitated high-level talks between Cambodia and Thailand. This meeting, held a day before the ASEAN Summit, aimed to address ongoing border disputes between the two nations.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acted as mediator during the trilateral meeting involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Marcos emphasized ASEAN's principles of peaceful conflict resolution and regional unity.
This meeting has demonstrated how our relationship in ASEAN is built on mutual respect, trust, solidarity, and understanding.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
One of the key outcomes was an agreement for both countries to engage their foreign ministers in ongoing dialogues. The goal is to prevent further escalation and promote stability in the region.
Marcos highlighted a shared sentiment among the leaders, stating, "It is time for peace and no longer a time for war."
The leaders also reaffirmed support for the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), which monitors compliance with agreements between Cambodia and Thailand. The AOT's mandate was extended for another three months, a decision welcomed by all parties involved.
Cambodian Prime Minister Manet expressed gratitude towards the Philippines for its leadership and emphasized the importance of implementing ceasefire commitments and border verification mechanisms.
We call for the full and immediate implementation of the joint statement of 27 December in its entirety, to ensure respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law.
Prime Minister Hun Manet
Thai Prime Minister Anutin highlighted the need for practical confidence-building measures and open communication. He urged both countries to proceed with sincerity and good faith.
Now is the time for us to look forward and walk this path together towards peace.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul
President Marcos pledged that the Philippines will continue to offer its support for sustained dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand, reinforcing the importance of ASEAN unity.
These discussions come as ASEAN prepares for its annual summit in Cebu, where regional security and stability are expected to dominate the agenda.