H.E. Prak Sokhonn Expected in Kuala Lumpur for Special ASEAN Meeting on Border Conflict

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Excellency Prak Sokhonn, will attend a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, focused on the escalating situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn

The gathering follows a joint decision announced on December 11 by the prime ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand to convene an urgent session aimed at evaluating recent developments along the shared frontier. According to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the objective is to maintain cooperation and strengthen the historically amicable relations between the two neighbouring states.

ASEAN Pushes for De-escalation

Cambodian officials say Phnom Penh will affirm its steadfast commitment to resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy, in line with international law, the United Nations Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.

The special ASEAN meeting reflects growing concern within the regional bloc over heightened tensions in recent weeks near key border areas, including Preah Vihear and parts of Banteay Meanchey Province, where troop movements and disagreements over border post management have reignited clashes.

Foreign ministers from other ASEAN members, including Singapore, Laos and Vietnam, are also expected to take part in discussions, serving as informal mediators in the effort to soothe tensions.

Bilateral Talks and Broader Cooperation

In addition to the main session, H.E. Prak Sokhonn is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings with ASEAN counterparts. These talks will focus on strengthening multilateral cooperation, promoting confidence-building measures, and addressing cross-border issues ranging from security and trade facilitation to humanitarian coordination in border areas.

A Malaysian foreign ministry representative said the initiative demonstrates ASEAN’s capacity to act swiftly in times of diplomatic urgency and underscores the bloc’s central role in regional crisis management.

Cambodia’s Role in Regional Peace

For Cambodia, participation in the Kuala Lumpur meeting signals a firm commitment to peace, regional security, and prosperity, and highlights Phnom Penh’s ongoing support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality in international affairs.

Cambodian diplomats emphasize that the meeting is not only a response to the current flare-up but also part of broader efforts to reinforce ASEAN solidarity and maintain the organisation as a stabilising force amid complex geopolitical dynamics.

Officials expect a joint ASEAN communiqué to be issued on December 23, outlining agreed follow-up measures and commitments by both Cambodia and Thailand to prevent further escalation.