Asean holds special foreign ministers’ meet on Cambodia-Thailand tensions

Foreign ministers from Asean nations gathered in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, for a special meeting focused on the ongoing border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand .

The session was convened under Malaysia’s chairmanship , following discussions earlier in the month between the prime ministers of the two countries and Malaysia’s leader as part of efforts to ease rising hostilities.

Secretary-General joins deliberations

At the invitation of Malaysia’s foreign minister, Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn attended the meeting, lending additional diplomatic weight to the talks. His participation underscored Asean’s collective commitment to peaceful dialogue and regional stability, in line with the organisation’s charter and long-standing principles for resolving disputes through diplomacy and cooperation.

The meeting aimed to give Asean foreign ministers a platform to share views on the recent developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border, which has seen renewed clashes and heightened tensions despite previous ceasefire efforts.

Both countries agreed to attend the special meeting after initial delays, signalling a willingness to engage at the regional level ahead of further negotiations.

Calls for peace and diplomacy

Asean officials have focused on fostering mutual understanding and confidence between the two nations, encouraging steps toward de-escalation and respect for international law. Cambodia’s participation was framed as a reaffirmation of its commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and support for Asean unity and centrality in regional diplomacy.

The ministers are expected to explore potential ways Asean can support ongoing peace efforts, including confidence-building measures and dialogue mechanisms that can help prevent further escalation. For now, Asean’s focus remains firmly on stabilising the situation and promoting long-term peace between its member states.