In a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment as ASEAN chair to taking a proactive role in promoting peace and stability in Southeast Asia, particularly concerning the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border situation.
“President Trump acknowledged Malaysia’s success in facilitating the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand as a great achievement that shows Malaysia’s sovereignty and ASEAN’s firmness,” Anwar said, via a September 25 social media post.
“I also commended him for the role that the US is playing in ensuring that the ceasefire is achieved,” he added.
The Malaysian prime minister expressed his anticipation of Trump’s participation in next month’s ASEAN Summit, describing the meeting as a “key opportunity to further strengthen cooperation for regional peace, stability and economic prosperity”.
The phone conversation followed a courtesy call by Jamieson Greer, US Trade Representative, who is currently in Malaysia, in conjunction with the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting and related gatherings.
Anwar also described Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to position ASEAN as a credible mediator in regional conflicts while engaging key international partners to support peace and development initiatives.
On July 26, Trump stated that after direct phone conversations with the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand, both countries had agreed to an immediate ceasefire.
“Thailand, like Cambodia, wants to have an immediate Ceasefire, and PEACE,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, at the time. “After speaking to both Parties, Ceasefire, Peace and Prosperity seems to be a natural. We will soon see!”
The ceasefire, effective from July 28, 2025, was formalised during peace talks held in Malaysia, facilitated by 2025 ASEAN chair Anwar.
