In an important diplomatic gathering, Thailand’s Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul joined trilateral talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The meeting took place at the Shangri-La Mactan hotel in Cebu, Philippines, at 6pm local time. The discussions were aimed at addressing the situation between Thailand and Cambodia and were initiated by the Philippines in its role as the ASEAN chair, as confirmed by Rachada Dhanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office.
Following the discussions, the leaders presented a united front during a press conference. President Marcos, as the ASEAN chair, opened the session, followed by Prime Minister Hun Manet and then Prime Minister Anutin. Expressing his gratitude to the Philippine president for organizing the crucial meeting, Anutin highlighted the constructive and forward-looking nature of his dialogue with Hun Manet. He emphasized that the talks were both frank and meaningful, underscoring a shared commitment to dialogue and the preservation of peace.
Anutin underscored the significance of the meeting as a chance for both Thailand and Cambodia to reaffirm their dedication to maintaining peace through dialogue. He remarked on the close ties between the two neighboring countries, which are interconnected on multiple fronts. Anutin pointed out that conflict inevitably results in loss and hardship for all parties involved, reinforcing the essential value of peace in the region.
In his statements, Anutin stressed the need for both nations to embark on a new chapter in their relationship. He called for sincerity, good faith, and a collective resolve to overcome existing challenges, signaling a hopeful outlook for future cooperation and harmony between Thailand and Cambodia. Through this diplomatic engagement, the leaders demonstrated a commitment to fostering a peaceful and collaborative regional environment.