AKP Phnom Penh, September 27, 2025 --

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn has expressed gratitude for the ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, but warned that the truce remains fragile.

Speaking at the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 27, H.E. Prak Sokhonn underlined that despite commitments from both Cambodia and Thailand to strictly comply with the terms of the ceasefire, rebuild trust, and restore normalcy, the situation is still delicate.

“But sincerity is only credible and trust can only flourishes when respect with both the letter and the spirit of the agreements matches with real action on the ground. Sadly, continued unilateral moves to impose territorial sovereignty from our neighbour, using forces instead of agreed mechanisms, unilateral maps instead internationally recognised ones that were produced in accordance with treaties that bind the two countries, and countless other actions undermine these trust building and peace efforts,” he said.

The Cambodian top diplomat underscored that of great concern is the forced eviction of Cambodian civilians and threats to use national laws against them and to evict hundreds more from the lands they have lived in for decades. Such way of territorial control on the segment of the border yet to be demarcated demonstrates a clear disregard not only for the terms of the ceasefire, but also for the mutual agreements on the settlement of border issues. In the process, Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are violated and the rights and dignity of many Cambodians infringed.

“Cambodia has consistently and strictly observed the ceasefire, demonstrating good faith and full transparency in the implementation of its terms. We have exercised the utmost restraint, even in the face of repeated incidents and provocations. As recently as this morning, there was an unprovoked attack near a sensitive site, following an allegation that our forces had opened fire first. Our troops have not and even refrained from any retaliatory action, underscoring our commitment to peace,” he affirmed.

Guided by the same spirit that ended its internal conflict nearly three decades ago, he continued, Cambodia reaffirms its call for dialogue and  the  peaceful  settlement  of  all  outstanding issues. Cambodia urges strict and sincere adherence to the agreed terms of the ceasefire, full respect for bilateral agreements, and observance of international law, including the Charters of both the United Nations and ASEAN.

Cambodia earnestly seeks the continued support and good offices of the ASEAN Chair and member states, the Secretary-General of the United Nations and relevant UN bodies, as well as leaders around the world, to help de-escalate tensions, encourage a peaceful resolution, and prevent any further tragedy, H.E. Prak Sokhonn added.

“Cambodia is a small nation focused on rebuilding our economy and improving the well-being of our people. We pose no threat to the sovereignty of any country. While we will always safeguard our independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, the use of force remains a last resort,” he said. “Cambodia will continue every effort to restore trust and normalcy, to promote harmonious coexistence and good-neighbourly relations, and to transform border areas into zones of peace, friendship, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

By C. Nika