At the Shangri-La Mactan hotel in Cebu, a significant trilateral meeting took place at 6pm local time in the Philippines, involving key figures such as Thailand’s Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The discussions centered on the ongoing situation between Thailand and Cambodia.
This crucial dialogue was convened under the initiative of the Philippines, which currently holds the position of ASEAN chair. Rachada Dhanadirek, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed the Philippines’ role in organizing the meeting, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and peace.
Following the meeting, a press conference was held where the Philippine president, in his capacity as ASEAN chair, took the lead, followed by comments from the Cambodian and Thai prime ministers. Anutin Charnvirakul expressed gratitude towards the Philippine president for hosting the meeting. He described his talks with the Cambodian leader as productive, emphasizing their constructive and forward-looking nature. He noted that the discussions were candid and significant, providing an opportunity for both nations to reaffirm their dedication to dialogue and peace preservation.
During the press conference, the Thai prime minister underscored the deep connections between Thailand and Cambodia, noting that the two neighboring countries share ties across multiple dimensions. He highlighted the detrimental effects of conflict, which causes loss and hardship for all involved, and underscored the importance of peace as a shared value.
In his closing remarks, Anutin Charnvirakul stressed the necessity for Thailand and Cambodia to turn a new page in their relationship. He called for sincerity, good faith, and a united resolve to overcome existing challenges, urging both nations to move forward together.