Thailand and Cambodia have agreed for peace talks as the fighting over disputed border area enter its fifth day. Both sides are scheduled to meet today in Malaysia – the ASEAN chair for the ongoing year, who also offered to mediate earlier as the fighting broke out.
The talks are scheduled for 15:00 local time and it is expected that officials from China and the United states will also be present during the talks. Earlier on Saturday, Trump posted on his social media that he has offered better trade deals to both countries if they agree to stop fighting.
Later, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with the Foreign Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia and an agreement was reached at to hold direct talks in Malaysia.
Fighting between both countries broke out on July 24 and since then 33 people have been killed and thousands displaced as forces on both sides exchanged rockets, shells, and fire. The official death toll reported by Thailand is 22.
Read More: Explainer: Why Are Cambodia and Thailand Fighting?
This fresh round of escalation was triggered by a land mine explosion incident in May but roots of the conflict go back to decades when French colonizers drew border and left a temple in dubious claims from both sides.
Malaysia’s leader Anwar Ibrahimwill chair the talks and it is expected that a ceasefire will be agreed upon. So far, even as both sides agreed for talks, exchange of shells still continue.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manethas called for an “immediate ceasefire” prior the scheduled talks in Kuala Lumpur while Thai PM Phumtham Wechayachai spoke with caution, mentioning the need for “genuine intent” from Cambodia.
On both sides of the border, thousands are displaced and living in temporary settlements. Pressure is mounting up on both governments to reach a ceasefire so that people can go back to their homes.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
