ASEAN Secretary-General meets Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister amid border conflict

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn held discussions with Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn during the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. They emphasized the importance of ASEAN unity, solidarity, and resolving disputes through dialogue based on ASEAN principles. The ongoing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, which has seen accusations from both sides, was a key topic of concern. Additionally, Kao Kim Hourn engaged in similar discussions with Brunei Darussalam’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on the sidelines of the meeting. The participants at the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting highlighted the collective commitment to regional peace and stability and the peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomacy and dialogue. The border conflict has resulted in a civilian death toll of 19 in Cambodia, including an infant, with 79 civilians reported injured as of December 20.