(KPL) A Lao delegation led by Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane has attended a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Malaysia to discuss rising tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

The meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur on 22 December and was chaired by Malaysia, which currently holds the ASEAN chairmanship.

Foreign ministers reviewed reports on the ASEAN Observers Team, set up in October, and received briefings from Cambodia and Thailand on the latest developments along their shared border.

ASEAN members expressed concern over the situation and urged both sides to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful solution. They stressed the need to respect international law, including the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Mr Thongsavanh reaffirmed Laos’ long-standing policy of maintaining friendly relations with all countries, particularly neighbouring states. He called on Cambodia and Thailand to avoid the use of force, return to the peace agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur on 26 October, and use existing bilateral and regional mechanisms to resolve the dispute.

The meeting ended with a chairman’s statement welcoming dialogue between the two countries aimed at securing a ceasefire and calling for a rapid de-escalation of tensions. Border committees from both sides are expected to meet soon to discuss implementation of the ceasefire.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr Thongsavanh also held talks with other ASEAN foreign ministers and the ASEAN secretary-general on issues of mutual interest.

KPL