Cambodia agrees to move GBC meeting to Malaysia, requests US, China, and Malaysia to observe
Cambodia agrees to Thailand's proposal to move the GBC meeting to Malaysia from August 4-7, requesting US, China, and Malaysia to observe the talks.
Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence, confirmed on Friday that Cambodia has agreed to move the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting to Malaysia, following Thailand's proposal. The meeting was initially set to take place in Phnom Penh on August 4 but will now be held in Malaysia between August 4-7, as part of the ceasefire agreement reached between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai officials after discussions in Malaysia on July 28.
On July 31, Cambodia’s Defence Minister, General Tea Seiha, officially invited General Nattaphon Narkphanit, Thailand's Deputy Defence Minister, to attend the meeting in Phnom Penh. However, General Nattaphon requested to move the venue to Malaysia as a neutral location, and proposed the meeting dates from August 4-7, which Cambodia has now agreed to.
In addition, General Tea Seiha has sent a letter to General Nattaphon, proposing that Malaysia, the United States, and China participate as observers at the GBC meeting, acknowledging their important role as mediators during the ceasefire on July 28.
"We sincerely hope that this meeting will be constructive and yield positive results," said Maly.
Regarding the 20 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thailand, Maly confirmed that Thai authorities have assured Cambodia that the soldiers are in good condition. Cambodia is currently negotiating for their immediate release in accordance with international humanitarian law and has requested Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, to assist in facilitating the repatriation process.
