(Phnom Penh): Cambodia and Thailand agreed on a number of key mechanisms designed to de-escalate tensions through the establishment of the initial action plan on the removal of heavy and destructive weapons back to their respective normal military installations.

Tea Seiha, Cambodian Minister of National Defence, delivered a press statement on the outcomes of the 2nd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 23 October 2025.

This plan will be implemented under the observation and verification of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). Importantly, the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) was officially signed by the GBC Co-Chairs today.

The two sides have agreed on a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for humanitarian demining operation. This SOP is aimed at directly contributing to socio-economic development and protecting the lives of citizens, while simultaneously ensuring the maintenance of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In particular, a consensus has not yet been reached on the priority areas for humanitarian demining operation. Consequently, the two sides will continue to meet and hold discussions to identify these priority areas.

Both countries also reached an agreement on an action plan for cooperation on the prevention and suppression transnational crime including cyber scam and human trafficking between the Cambodian National Police and the Royal Thai Police.

Both sides reaffirmed their strong support for the efforts of the relevant institutions of both countries and committed to mutual information sharing. This cooperation aims to ensure that these critical issues are addressed effectively, in full accordance with national laws and humanitarian principles.

Defence Minister Tea Seiha welcomed and highly appreciated the peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, which is scheduled to be signed on October 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This landmark agreement was successfully facilitated by the United States and Malaysia, demonstrating a shared spirit of building mutual trust and confidence, and a firm commitment to improving relations and achieving a return to normalcy between the two countries. Crucially, the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement will also pave the way for the release of the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers.

Finally, both sides agreed that the next Special General Border Committee Meeting will be held within 90 days or as necessary after this meeting, with Cambodia as the host.

In conclusion, Cambodian defence minister reiterated Cambodia firm commitment to maintain and elevate peace, stability and cooperation with all neighboring and friendly countries.
=FRESH NEWS