President Donald Trump participated in a formal peace agreement ceremony between Thailand and Cambodia held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during his visit to the ASEAN Summit. The event marked the first time a U.S. president attended the summit since Barack Obama in 2016, though Trump had previously engaged with ASEAN meetings in 2017.
The accord, brokered with U.S. involvement, aims to resolve a long-standing border dispute between the two nations. Key provisions include the withdrawal of heavy weaponry from the border area, new protocols to address territorial encroachment claims, and Thailand’s commitment to release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers. Trump emphasized his role in facilitating the agreement, stating, “On behalf of the U.S., I’m proud to help settle this conflict and forge a future for the region.”
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul were present at the ceremony. The agreement also includes pledges from Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia to strengthen economic ties with the U.S. in exchange for reduced tariffs. Trump criticized the United Nations for its lack of engagement in global conflicts, asserting that his efforts have saved “millions of lives” in Southeast Asia.
Cambodia’s leader announced plans to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, a gesture previously mentioned in August. The event highlighted Trump’s continued focus on positioning himself as a mediator in international disputes.
