Cambodian Government, Experts Say International Support for Border Talks Reflects Nation’s Peaceful Stance

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept.15,2025) — The Cambodian government and policy experts say international support for the outcome of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting reflects Cambodia’s longstanding commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.

Japan, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, the European Union, China and other nations have welcomed progress made during the first special GBC meeting, held Sept. 10 in Khemarak Phoumin, Koh Kong province.

Foreign governments praised Cambodia and Thailand for reaffirming their commitment to peaceful cooperation, humanitarian demining and joint efforts to address cross-border challenges.

Government spokesperson Pen Bona said the Royal Government of Cambodia has consistently pursued diplomatic solutions since the onset of border tensions with Thailand.

“Cambodia is a peace-loving country, and peace has always been at the core of our national development strategy,” Bona said.

He added that Cambodia has relied on technical mechanisms grounded in international law to resolve the dispute, firmly avoiding military confrontation. Cambodia has also fully implemented the ceasefire agreement reached in Malaysia, he said.

“The support expressed by foreign countries reflects and reinforces the RGC’s position, and shows the international community’s recognition of Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful solutions in line with international law,” Bona said.

Vannarith Chheang, chairman of the Angkor Social Innovation Park, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of international backing alongside ASEAN’s efforts to restore peace and stability.

“Effective and full implementation of the ceasefire is necessary for long-lasting peace,” Chheang said. “Third-party involvement is critical to ensure compliance.”
Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin congratulated both countries on the outcome of the meeting.

“China has made and will continue to make unremitting efforts to fully and effectively implement the ceasefire agreement and restore normal Cambodia–Thailand relations at an early date,” Wang said.

Australian Ambassador Derek Yip said in a statement posted Sept. 11 on X, formerly known as Twitter: “The results will help restore confidence, build mutual trust, and pave the way for a peaceful and sustainable resolution.”

During the high-level meeting, both sides agreed to de-escalate tensions, including withdrawing heavy weaponry from disputed areas and returning it to military installations.

The two nations also pledged to restore bilateral relations, return to normalcy and repatriate detained soldiers “as soon as possible,” according to a joint statement.