AKP Phnom Penh, December 23, 2025 --

Cambodia’s overriding objective is to end the suffering of its people, prevent further destruction and continue on a path toward peace, a just settlement and lasting stability, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, citing outcomes of the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur on Dec. 22.

Speaking at a press conference in Phnom Penh on Dec. 23, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman H.E. Nong Sakal underscored the importance of maintaining confidence in ASEAN as one of the world’s most successful regional organisations, with the capacity to help member states resolve disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, including the rejection of threats or the use of force.

At the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn outlined progress made under the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration, notably on the withdrawal of heavy weapons from border areas, humanitarian demining and border demarcation work carried out through the two countries’ Joint Boundary Commission framework.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn called on other ASEAN member states to support and encourage several measures, including the immediate cessation of all hostilities by both sides from 10:00 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2025, and full respect for and implementation of the July 28, 2025 ceasefire agreement, the Oct. 26, 2025 Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration and other accords reached under the same framework.

He also urged the redeployment of armed forces of both countries to their original positions prior to the outbreak of hostilities, and the safe, dignified and unhindered return of civilians affected in border areas to their homes and livelihoods.

The Cambodian Foreign Minister stressed that the settlement of disputes, including border demarcation, must be pursued exclusively through peaceful means in line with international law, the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), and existing bilateral treaties and agreements between Cambodia and Thailand, including the immediate resumption of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn concluded by highlighting urgent humanitarian needs, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who remain in detention.

The meeting commended the active roles and continued engagement of Malaysia, the United States and China in promoting a peaceful resolution to the evolving dispute, and urged both parties to return promptly to full and effective implementation of the July 28, 2025 ceasefire, the outcomes of the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on Aug. 7, 2025, and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on Oct. 26, 2025.

By K. Rithy Reak