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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider A shared victory for peace

A shared victory for peace

Published Aug 3, 2025 12:05 am  |  Updated Aug 2, 2025 03:34 pm
PEACE-MAKER
The historic ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, forged on July 28, 2025, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, stands as a triumph of diplomacy, dialogue, and our shared commitment to peace in Asia.
We commend Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia and Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai of Thailand, whose courage and statesmanship paved the way for this breakthrough. We also commend Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia for graciously hosting and facilitating this crucial dialogue, which was actively co-organized and supported by the United States and China.
The importance of this ceasefire extends far beyond the immediate cessation of hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand. It is a resounding affirmation that peace and dialogue must always be our first recourse in resolving disputes.
For the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), this agreement reinforces the core principle that our region’s security and prosperity are intertwined. Stability in the heart of Southeast Asia sends a powerful signal not only to ASEAN members but also to the greater Asian community that peaceful resolution of conflicts is achievable and sustainable.
As we emphasized in our earlier column, we have never doubted that Cambodia and Thailand could and would overcome this challenge peacefully and honorably. Both nations are peace-loving, with profound cultural and historical ties that bind their peoples together despite temporary disputes. Their decision to choose dialogue over division honors that shared heritage and reflects their commitment to a brighter, more cooperative future.
Throughout our decades in public service and through our international engagements, we have been a steadfast advocate for promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and regional cooperation. Through our initiatives in parliamentary diplomacy and the establishment of international organizations — International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council (APRC) — aimed at fostering peace among nations, we have seen firsthand that even the most intractable conflicts can yield to persistent dialogue and goodwill. This ceasefire in Putrajaya is a testament to what can be achieved when nations, with the support of the international community, choose the path of reason over the temptation of escalation.
The work, however, does not end here. A ceasefire is only the first step toward a durable peace. ASEAN, together with the broader community of nations, must continue to nurture this dialogue, assist in confidence-building measures, and support long-term cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand. Only then can we transform this moment of peace into a permanent foundation for regional stability.
As the world faces a host of geopolitical challenges, this successful ceasefire reminds us of an enduring truth: in the heart of Asia, dialogue remains our most powerful weapon. Let this serve as an example for other nations grappling with disputes — that peace is possible, and that diplomacy, grounded in mutual respect, will always be the noblest path forward.
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