Kuala Lumpur: In a landmark moment at the 47th ASEAN Summit, U.S. President Donald Trump participated in the signing of a peace agreement aimed at ending border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. The accord was signed in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with Trump joining the ceremony as a key witness.
The on-stage signing took place against a backdrop emblazoned with the seal of the United States and the phrase “delivering peace,” symbolizing the international effort behind the accord. The agreement seeks to restore stability following a violent five-day conflict in July that claimed dozens of civilian lives and displaced hundreds of thousands along the contested border.
President Trump has publicly credited his intervention for bringing both sides to the negotiating table. An initial ceasefire, brokered in Malaysia on July 28, came after Trump engaged in direct discussions with the leaders of both nations. During these calls, he reportedly warned that continued hostilities could jeopardize potential trade agreements with the United States, a move that analysts say applied decisive pressure on both governments.
The renewed peace pact goes beyond the initial truce, aiming to address underlying border disputes and establish mechanisms to prevent future clashes. Regional leaders hailed the accord as a critical step toward long-term stability in Southeast Asia, while observers noted that Trump’s involvement underscores Washington’s active role in promoting diplomatic solutions in the region.
The signing also highlighted Malaysia’s growing prominence as a mediator in regional conflicts. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s facilitation of the talks, alongside the active involvement of Trump, reflects a broader strategy by both regional and international actors to secure peace while strengthening economic and strategic ties in Southeast Asia.
With the accord in place, officials hope to ease tensions, ensure civilian safety, and lay the groundwork for sustained diplomatic cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia, signaling a significant victory for regional diplomacy and U.S.-led mediation efforts.