Philippines Advances ASEAN Consultations to Support ‘Durable Peace’ in Cambodia–Thailand Border Issue
Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia, Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo, speaks to the media during a diplomatic visit to conflict-affected areas in Banteay Meanchey province. KT/ Khem Sovannara
Banteay Meanchey Province — The Philippines has begun consultations with Cambodia and Thailand to strengthen ASEAN’s role in sustaining the ceasefire and advancing a “durable peace” along the border, Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo said during a diplomatic visit to conflict-affected areas in Banteay Meanchey province.
Speaking to the media as she joined foreign diplomats and UN agencies on an inspection of displacement sites and contested border locations, Ambassador Mayo highlighted Manila’s responsibilities as ASEAN Chair in facilitating dialogue and confidence-building efforts between the two neighbouring countries and enhancing the capability of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).
“The Philippines has commenced consultations with both countries with a view to enhancing the capability of the AOT to help maintain the ceasefire,” she said.
The ambassador added that the consultations aim to create diplomatic space for bilateral mechanisms while ASEAN supports stability through regional cooperation.
“And in the process, allow the time and space for bilateral mechanisms to obtain for both countries, our ASEAN neighbours, durable peace, a durable peace,” she said.
According to Ambassador Mayo, the recent visit by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Brawner Jr., formed part of the consultation process under the ASEAN chairmanship, allowing Manila to gather perspectives from both sides of the border and improve the operational framework of the ASEAN Observer Team.
“Now, you know that the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines was here recently on a visit. And that was part of our consultation process and gathering inputs from both sides of the border to make the TOR of the AOT more effective,” she continued.
As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines also stands ready to provide diplomatic facilitation when requested by either party, she added.
The Philippines assumed the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026 from Malaysia, amid heightened regional attention on the Cambodia–Thailand border situation, with ASEAN seeking to uphold the ceasefire commitment following two rounds of fighting in July and December last year.
-Khmer Times-
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