Malaysia Urges ASEAN to Take Bold Steps as Border Conflict Dominates Emergency Talks

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Dec. 22, 2025) — Malaysia’s foreign minister called on ASEAN Monday to take all necessary measures to preserve regional peace and stability, saying efforts to address the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict must go beyond simply de escalating tensions.

Opening the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, believes the bloc must strengthen trust between the parties and ensure dialogue continues despite sharp differences.

“ASEAN must do whatever is necessary to maintain regional peace and stability. Our goal goes beyond de escalating the tensions,” Hasan said.

He added that ASEAN’s approach should be guided by lessons from the past, anchored in wisdom, solidarity and trust, which have helped the region navigate periods of upheaval.

“We must intensify trust building among the conflicting parties and provide the horizons for dialogue despite the prevailing differences,” he said.

The emergency meeting is reviewing recent developments along the Cambodia–Thailand border, where renewed clashes have killed dozens and displaced more than half a million civilians.

Ministers are seeking measures to restore stability and confidence between the two countries while reinforcing ASEAN’s unity and central role.