Cambodia Leads the Way to Peace: Turning Words into Action

Cambodia Leads the Way to Peace: Turning Words into Action

#Opinion

In a world too often defined by suspicion and rivalry, Cambodia has once again chosen the higher path — the path of peace. Under the Joint Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand, witnessed by President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Cambodia has translated its promise into concrete action: the withdrawal of heavy and destructive weapons from its border areas.

This first phase of withdrawal, carried out in Choam Khsant District and Rovieng District of Preah Vihear Province, was conducted transparently under the observation and verification of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). These independent observers serve as witnesses not only to Cambodia’s compliance, but to its deep and genuine desire for peace and stability in the region.

This act is more than a military step — it is a moral statement. By pulling back its heavy and destructive weapons, Cambodia sends a powerful message: that peace is not achieved by the presence of arms, but by the courage to put them aside. It is an act of responsibility, maturity, and vision — a reflection of Cambodia’s enduring belief that security comes not through domination, but through dialogue and trust.

For Cambodia, the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration is not merely a piece of paper. It is a pledge of honor, a commitment before the international community that words will be matched by deeds. Cambodia’s leadership has once again demonstrated that when we make a promise, we keep it — fully, faithfully, and transparently.

We now look to our neighbor, Thailand, with hope and goodwill. Cambodia firmly believes that the Thai side will implement its commitments with the same sincerity and responsibility, ensuring that this peace initiative remains a mutual achievement, not a one-sided effort. True peace can only flourish when both sides move together — in trust, in transparency, and in the shared vision of a stable and prosperous border.

The continued presence and verification role of the ASEAN Observer Team ensures that this process remains open, honest, and credible. Their involvement strengthens not only confidence between Cambodia and Thailand but also the integrity of ASEAN’s regional peace architecture.

Cambodia’s actions today will echo far beyond the border. They remind the region and the world that even after conflict, reconciliation is possible. That even after suspicion, cooperation can return. And that even after decades of division, peace can take root — when there is courage, sincerity, and leadership.

With the heavy weapons gone and the door to peace reopened, Cambodia looks forward to a new chapter — one defined not by military posturing, but by mutual respect, development, and human connection. For both nations, and for generations to come, this is how peace is built — one sincere act at a time.

Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views expressed are his own.

-Khmer Times-