(Phnom Penh): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan issued a statement by Press Secretary Kitamura Toshihiro on Saturday (Dec. 27) welcoming the ceasefire agreement reached between Cambodia and Thailand.

On 27 December, following the recent ASEAN Special Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Cambodian and Thai defence ministers held the General Border Committee meeting and announced that they had agreed to an immediate ceasefire.

"Japan welcomes this agreement and strongly hopes that the ceasefire agreement will be steadily implemented," according to statement seen by Fresh News on Sunday (Dec. 28).

The press secretary noted that earlier this month, military clashes have once again escalated between Cambodia and Thailand, resulting in numerous casualties including civilians, displaced people, and damage to civilian facilities in both countries. He added that the international community, including Japan, has consistently urged both countries to exercise maximum restraint and seek peaceful resolution through dialogue.

According to the press secretary, the Government of Japan will continue to make various efforts to promote de-escalation of the situation including the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, such as diplomatic efforts, in coordination with relevant countries including the United States and ASEAN countries.
=FRESH NEWS