27/10/2025

MONDAY | OCT 27, 2025

3 Historic peace accord sealed in Kuala Lumpur

Asean-led diplomacy ends years of dispute KUALA LUMPUR: Cambodia and Thailand signed the historic KL Peace Accord yesterday, ending years of border tension in a landmark moment for Asean-led diplomacy and Malaysia’s role as regional mediator. The signing ceremony, witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and United States President Donald Trump, capped weeks of intensive negotiations hosted by Malaysia under its Asean chairmanship. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet hailed the accord as a triumph of trust and cooperation in Southeast Asia, expressing his nation’s deep gratitude to both Anwar and Trump for their roles in helping bring the peace process to fruition. “Recognising your unwavering dedication and resolute efforts to promote peace, not only between Cambodia and Thailand but also among other nations, and reflecting the gratitude of the Cambodian peoples, I have nominated President Donald J. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. “Peace saves lives and this is the heartfelt wish of our people,” Hun said, drawing applause from delegates gathered at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Hun also credited Anwar’s mediation efforts and Malaysia’s facilitation as crucial in steering both sides towards a final agreement after years of intermittent clashes along their shared border. “The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord reflects the success of Asean unity and Malaysia’s leadership in fostering an environment where peace can take root.” Hun described the accord as a fresh start for relations between both nations, anchored in stability and mutual respect. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul co signed the agreement on behalf of Thailand. Trump, who played a direct role in urging both leaders to reach a swift settlement, joined Anwar in applauding the accord as a step toward a more peaceful and cooperative region. The brokered pact ends years of sporadic border skirmishes and long-standing territorial disputes. – By HARITH KAMAL and KIRTINEE RAMESH Lighter side to summit diplomacy KUALA LUMPUR: Diplomacy met good humour when President Donald Trump invited Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to join him for a brief ride in his presidential limousine, The Beast, after Air Force One touched down at KLIA yesterday. In his speech, Anwar revealed that Trump had asked him to “break the rules” by stepping into The Beast – an offer he gladly accepted. “When the President arrived, he asked me to ‘break the rules’ and it was a nice ride. We shared many things in common. I was in prison and he almost got there – but we exchanged good conversation on a number of issues.” The remark drew laughter from delegates, offering a brief, human moment amid the solemnity of the peace proceedings. Riding in The Beast is a privilege rarely extended to foreign leaders, given the stringent security protocols enforced by the US Secret Service. Earlier, shortly after Trump’s arrival, both leaders were seen laughing and clapping along to a cultural performance that featured a lively joget number. Trump also playfully mimicked the dancers’ steps and Anwar joined in with joget moves of his own. The rapport between Anwar and Trump offered a glimpse of warmth and wit behind the day’s high-stakes diplomacy, and perhaps, a reminder that even in geopolitics a good laugh goes a long way. – By HARITH KAMAL

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL AND KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Trump commends Anwar for uniting rival neighbours and brokering Cambodia–Thailand pact

KUALA LUMPUR: Calling it a “momentous day for Southeast Asia”, United States President Donald Trump yesterday praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for helping broker the historic Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord that finally ended years of border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. Speaking at the ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Trump praised Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for their “courageous leadership” in ending years of deadly border clashes between

made peace possible. “I called him right at the beginning and said ‘you have two countries fighting next to you – we need a neutral ground’ . And he was there, I told him if we get this solved, I’m coming to your country. And I told the truth – because he was so great,” Trump said. The peace accord marks the formal end of hostilities following months of escalating tensions and armed skirmishes along the Thai

the two nations. “This is a momentous day for all the people of Southeast Asia,” Trump declared. “We’re so honoured to be involved in ending the military conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. Two great countries – but they were going at it. I want to congratulate the two courageous leaders – and that’s what they are.” Trump also singled out Anwar for hosting the talks in Malaysia, calling it a “neutral place” that

Cambodian border that displaced thousands. Under the agreement, both sides will cease military operations, release prisoners of war and move towards normalising bilateral relations. Trump said Asean observers – including Malaysia – will be deployed to monitor compliance and “ensure peace prevails and endures”. “Eighteen Cambodian prisoners of war will be released. Observers from Asean countries, including Malaysia, will make sure peace prevails. I have no doubt that it will.” Trump, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur as part of a regional tour, also unveiled parallel trade and economic pacts with both nations. “Alongside this peace treaty, we’re signing a major trade deal with Cambodia and a critical minerals agreement with Thailand. The United States will have robust commerce and cooperation with both nations as long as they live in peace.” Framing the accord as part of his administration’s wider peace push, Trump claimed the US had “ended eight wars in eight months”. “There’s never been anything like that. I can’t think of any president who solved even one war – they start wars, they don’t end them.” He added that the US was now “respected again” globally after what he described as a period of decline. “A year and a half ago, we were a dead country, Now we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world,” Trump said. He also took a swipe at the United Nations, accusing it of failing to play a role in the peace process. “The United Nations should be doing this, but they don’t. We just did the deal and reported it – and everyone was amazed that we got it done so quickly and so nicely.” Before wrapping up, Trump extended condolences to Thailand on the passing of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, describing her as “a beautiful, incredible woman, respected all over the world”. “The three men sitting there – Anwar, Hun Manet and Anutin – should really be credited with having done an incredible job for humanity. “It’s been an honour to work with you (all).”

KEY LEADERS BEHIND KUALA LUMPUR PEACE ACCORD

“Today marks a historic and profoundly significant moment for our region — a day that reaffirms our shared conviction that peace is always possible when nations have the courage and wisdom to pursue it together.” Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim “T sig re a Ma

US President Donald Trump

“Millions of people are alive today because of this peace treaty. Two great countries chose the path of prosperity and peace over needless bloodshed and war.”

Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet

No matter how difficult our disputes may be, they must always be resolved through peaceful means, in full respect of international law.”

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul

“This declaration will lay the foundation for lasting peace — only then can we assure our people’s safety, security and dignity.”

THESUN GRAPHICS BY HARITH KAMAL