Philippines’ Chief of Staff: Philippines Ready to Lead AOT in Mediating Cambodia–Thailand Border Issues

Philippines’ Chief of Staff: Philippines Ready to Lead AOT in Mediating Cambodia–Thailand Border Issues

On the morning of 12 February 2026, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, received a courtesy call from General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, at the Peace Palace.

During the meeting, His Excellency the General expressed his profound gratitude to Samdech Thipadei for granting him and his delegation the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit. His Excellency the Chief of Staff also recalled the long-standing and excellent relations and cooperation between the two nations, particularly between their respective armed forces. In this regard, he underscored his commitment to further strengthening military ties and cooperation to achieve even greater progress.

In response, Samdech Thipadei extended a warm welcome to the General and his delegation on their visit to Cambodia and expressed his pleasure at meeting His Excellency the Chief of Staff once again. Samdech Thipadei also expressed his satisfaction and high appreciation for the progress in defence cooperation, particularly in experience-sharing and capacity-building between the two-armed forces. He expressed his firm hope that military cooperation would continue to be strengthened and expanded across the army, navy, and air force.

Regarding the situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border, Samdech Thipadei briefed His Excellency the General and his delegation on recent developments. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s position to resolve border issues peacefully, based on existing bilateral agreements, conventions, treaties, and international law. Cambodia remains firmly committed to respecting the agreements previously concluded by both countries. Furthermore, Samdech Thipadei highly valued the role of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and expressed confidence that, under the Philippines’ leadership, the AOT would continue to play an active role in facilitating a peaceful resolution of the Cambodia–Thailand border issues.
His Excellency the General noted that the Philippines has been closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to continue leading the AOT. The objective is to facilitate a neutral resolution of the border issues, with the aim of achieving lasting peace and stability for both countries and the region as a whole.

SP-STPM Unofficial Translation