In a historic move to end months of tension and restore stability along their shared border, the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand today, October 26, signed the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration, marking a new era of peace, cooperation, and regional solidarity.
The signing ceremony, held in Kuala Lumpur, under the auspices of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manetand Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and witnessed by US President Donald Trump.
The event was hailed as a diplomatic milestone for Southeast Asia, reaffirming ASEAN’s role in promoting peaceful resolution of regional disputes.
A milestone for peace and partnership
Manet described the agreement as a “historic moment of profound significance”, expressing his deepest gratitude to Trump for his “decisive leadership and steadfast commitment” in supporting the peace process between Cambodia and Thailand.
“Cambodia reaffirms its strong commitment to fully and faithfully implementing this Joint Declaration and to continuing close cooperation with Thailand and all partners to ensure that this peace endures and brings tangible benefits to both peoples,” he said.
He also called for the prompt release of 18 Cambodian soldiers held in Thailand, a humanitarian measure included in the new agreement.
Manet extended his appreciation to the Malaysian prime minister facilitating the peace talks and to ASEAN, China and other international partners “who have supported this process from the very beginning”.
President Trump remarked that: “This is going to be a very long peace”.
Trump, who played a key mediation role leading to the peace accord, delivered a wide-ranging speech at the ceremony, praising both leaders for their courage and vision.
“Both of them to college in the US and now these gentlemen are about to sign what we’re calling the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, good name,” he said.
“Both countries — Cambodia and Thailand — are agreeing to cease all hostilities and work to build good neighbourly relationships, which have already started,” he added.
He announced that 18 Cambodian prisoners of war will be released under the terms of the deal, and that ASEAN observers, including representatives from Malaysia, will be deployed “to make sure that the peace prevails and endures”.
“I have no doubt that it will,” he continued. “Today, alongside this peace treaty, we are also signing a major trade deal with Cambodia and a critical minerals agreement with Thailand.”
Trump emphasised that economic ties could be used as a tool for lasting stability.
“We have to use that business to make sure they don’t get into wars. This is going to be a very long peace,” he continued.
Highlighting his administration’s broader peace efforts, Trump claimed credit for helping to end eight conflicts globally within eight months.
“There’s never been anything like that. Never. I can’t think of any president that ever solved one war. They start wars, they don’t solve them,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
“On behalf of the US, I’m proud to help settle this conflict and really develop good friendships,” Trump concluded.
Hun Manet’s Nobel Peace Prize nomination for trump
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Manet announced that, “in reflection of the gratitude of the Cambodian people”, he had formally nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his “unwavering dedication and resolute efforts to promote peace — not only between Cambodia and Thailand but also among other nations”.
The announcement drew widespread attention among attending diplomats and media representatives, signalling Cambodia’s strong appreciation for Washington’s mediation role.
Regional and global support
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim lauded the signing as “a clear demonstration of ASEAN’s ability to resolve differences through dialogue and mutual respect”, while reiterating Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring the peace process remains sustainable.
Observers noted that the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration not only ends hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand but also lays out frameworks for economic cooperation, cross-border trade and cultural exchanges — turning a page on decades of mistrust.
A turning point in regional diplomacy
The agreement, referred to by many as a “peace dividend for ASEAN”, is seen as a model for other regional conflicts.
With both countries pledging to maintain peaceful dialogue, deploy ASEAN monitors and engage in new trade partnerships, the Kuala Lumpur Declaration marks one of the most consequential diplomatic achievements in Southeast Asia in recent years.
“Peace is always possible when nations have the courage and wisdom to pursue it together,” said Manet.
Cambodia, US sign trade deal
Manet and Trump also signed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the United States, which aims to strengthen and promote bilateral trade relations.
“This agreement aims to strengthen and promote trade relations between Cambodia and the United States,” Manet said, via social media.
Trump said the deal was signed alongside the peace treaty between Cambodia and Thailand, emphasising that strong commerce helps sustain peace.
“We have to use that business to make sure they don’t get into wars,” he remarked, adding that the US will maintain robust trade and cooperation with Cambodia and Thailand as long as peace endures.
