Washington [US], July 27: US President Donald Trump said on July 26 that he had spoken with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia and received signals that both sides wanted a ceasefire.
"I just had a very good call with the Prime Minister of Cambodia and informed him of my discussions with Thailand and its acting prime minister," President Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social while in Scotland, according to Fox News.
"Both sides want an immediate ceasefire and peace. They are also looking to return to the negotiating table (trade - NV) with the United States, which we consider inappropriate until the fighting ends," Mr. Trump continued.
President Trump also wrote that Thailand and Cambodia agreed to meet immediately and "quickly achieve a ceasefire and ultimately peace! It has been an honor to work with both countries... Looking forward to many years of great cooperation. When this is all done and peace is at hand, I look forward to signing trade agreements with both countries!"
In response, Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai thanked President Trump and said Thailand "in principle agreed to a ceasefire" but "wanted to see sincere goodwill from Cambodia," according to Reuters.
Mr Phumtham also said he had asked Mr Trump to "convey to the Cambodian side that Thailand wants to hold a bilateral dialogue as soon as possible to work out measures and procedures for a ceasefire and ultimately a peaceful resolution of the conflict".
There is currently no information about Cambodia's reaction to the above information from President Trump as well as the statement of acting Prime Minister Phumtham.
At the United Nations Security Council meeting on July 25, Cambodian Ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted an "immediate ceasefire" with Thailand and "to resolve the dispute by peaceful means," according to AFP.
Before President Trump spoke with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, the border clash between the two Southeast Asian countries dragged on for a third day and new flashpoints emerged as both sides claimed to have acted in self-defense and called on the other to stop fighting and start negotiations, according to Reuters.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
