As the current ASEAN chair, Malaysia is prepared to assist Thailand and Cambodia in seeking a friendly and mutually acceptable way to resolve the current border dispute between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated in a press release today that Malaysia is closely monitoring the military clash that occurred yesterday in the disputed Thai-Cambodian border area, which resulted in casualties, and expressed concern over the incident.
"We urge both parties to exercise maximum restraint and to immediately take steps to de-escalate tensions.
"Malaysia is willing, in its capacity as the current ASEAN chair, to offer assistance in promoting peaceful dialogue and finding a solution acceptable to both sides."
He emphasized that Malaysia reiterates the importance of resolving border disputes through dialogue and diplomatic means, in the spirit of ASEAN unity and good neighborliness.
It is understood that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar contacted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Puttam yesterday respectively.
Anwar called on the leaders of both nations to immediately implement a ceasefire to prevent the situation from deteriorating further, and to create space for peaceful dialogue and diplomatic solutions to the dispute.
According to reports, the military forces of Thailand and Cambodia clashed early Thursday morning in the disputed border area, with both sides accusing the other of provoking the incident.
Since a deadly clash near Preah Vihear on May 28 that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier, relations between the two countries have remained tense.
This Wednesday, the Thai government announced an immediate downgrading of diplomatic relations with Cambodia, citing the injury of a Thai soldier from a newly planted landmine.
The Cambodian government responded on Thursday with reciprocal measures, downgrading its diplomatic relations with Thailand to the lowest level.