AKP Phnom Penh, October 26, 2026 --

The Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand marks its first anniversary today, commemorating a significant diplomatic effort to end armed hostilities, de-escalate tensions and lay the groundwork for lasting peace between the two neighbouring countries.

Signed on Oct. 26, 2025, on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the declaration was endorsed by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in the presence of U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Chair of the 2025 ASEAN Summits.

On the eve of the anniversary, the U.S. Department of State reaffirmed Washington’s support for the agreement, describing it as a landmark diplomatic achievement made possible by President Trump’s leadership and commitment to peace. In a statement issued on Oct, 25, the department said the declaration demonstrated the power of American diplomacy to resolve conflicts and laid the foundation for peace between Cambodia and Thailand.

The United States also reiterated its commitment to working with both countries to support the implementation of the agreement and help make lasting peace a reality for their peoples.

The declaration followed the armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand from July 24 to 28, 2025, which caused tragic losses of military personnel and civilians on both sides. The agreement represented an important diplomatic initiative to reduce tensions and create conditions conducive to ending the conflict and restoring relations between the two neighbours.

Cambodia expressed profound gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and steadfast support for peace, while also acknowledging the role of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in facilitating the peace process. Cambodia further appreciated ASEAN member states, China and other international partners for their support for the ceasefire and efforts to promote stability.

Despite the declaration, renewed armed clashes erupted on Dec. 7, 2025, followed by a Joint Statement reached at the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee. Cambodia has subsequently protested against Thai military activities in unlawfully occupied areas in Cambodian territory, including the deployment of shipping containers, installation of barbed wire, excavation of trenches and construction of fortifications.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has stressed that it does not recognise any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand. It has maintained that activities on the ground do not prejudice Cambodia’s legal rights or position concerning the international boundary.

Cambodia has called on Thailand to honour its commitments to de-escalation, cease actions that could further heighten tensions, strengthen mutual trust and facilitate the peaceful settlement of disputes along the border.

As the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration enters its second year, Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving all boundary disputes with Thailand exclusively through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements, stressing that international borders must not be changed by force.

By C. Nika