EU Envoy Calls for Ceasefire Implementation and Sustainable Diplomatic Solution
EU Envoy Calls for Ceasefire Implementation and Sustainable Diplomatic Solution
Siem Reap – European Union Ambassador to Cambodia, Igor Driesmans, has stressed the importance of fully implementing the recently brokered ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, urging both sides to act in good faith and prioritise diplomacy to end the border conflict.
Speaking during an interview on his diplomatic field visit to border areas and temporary displacement camps in the northern provinces, Driesmans described the human toll of the recent armed clashes as deeply distressing.
“I saw firsthand what the conflict, the military engagement has brought over the last couple of days. It brought sorrow, it brought casualties and it has an enormous humanitarian impact,” he said.
Driesmans noted the visible suffering among families forced to flee, following his visit to several refugee camps.
“We have visited some of the refugee camps as well and clearly there are important needs that will need to be addressed,” he added.
Ambassador Driesmans joined the field trip to Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap alongside the heads of foreign diplomatic missions accredited to Cambodia. The visit, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, aimed to inspect areas affected by the recent armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand over border disputes.
He said the EU has consistently advocated for peace and diplomacy since the onset of the conflict.
“This is why since the start of the border clashes we have argued for a cessation of hostilities and we have argued for a diplomatic solution and we were very happy to see that that call has been heeded and that a ceasefire agreement has been concluded in Kuala Lumpur thanks to the mediation and facilitation of the ASEAN chair Malaysia.”
Looking ahead, the EU envoy emphasised the critical need for both parties to honour the agreement.
“What is now important is that the ceasefire is respected, that it is implemented in good faith by both parties and that we can get back on track to a sustainable diplomatic solution,” Driesmans concluded.
