Ceasefire Agreement Reached in Cambodia-Thailand Border Dispute

Cambodia and Thailand have reached a milestone agreement for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, following pressure from international entities and regional mediation efforts. The hostilities along their disputed border have recently escalated into deadly violence, resulting in at least 35 casualties and hundreds of injuries, as reported by officials.

The breakthrough was achieved after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai engaged in crisis talks in Malaysia. The meeting, crucially hosted by Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, witnessed participation from US and Chinese representatives, marking a strong international impulse towards resolving the conflict.

Despite ongoing allegations from both sides regarding artillery strikes and civilian targeting, the joint statement from the involved nations underscored a shared commitment to peace. Malaysia, serving as the ASEAN chair, will coordinate efforts to implement and verify the ceasefire, which both sides have pledged to observe starting midnight on July 28.

(With inputs from agencies.)