By Travis Gillmore
KUALA LUMPUR—President Donald Trump helped mediate negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia in recent months, leading to the signing of a peace agreement in Malaysia’s capital city on Oct. 26.
Known as the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, the signing parties reiterated and reaffirmed their commitment to peace.
“On behalf of the United States, I’m proud to help settle this conflict and forge a future for the region where proud independent nations can prosper and thrive in safety, security, and peace,” Trump said during the signing ceremony.
“This is so exciting because we did something that a lot of people said couldn’t be done, and we saved maybe millions of lives on this one peace deal itself.”
Thai officials will release the 18 Cambodian prisoners of war held since fighting erupted.
The agreement represents the eighth conflict resolved by the president since he took office for a second term in January.
“If I can take time and save millions of lives, that’s really a great thing,” Trump said. “I can’t think of anything better to do.”
He noted the mutual respect and understanding between the leaders from Thailand and Cambodia, who facilitated the agreement.
“Usually, there’s a lot of hatred,” Trump said. “They liked each other, so it made it a little bit easier.”
Observers from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including Malaysia, will monitor the situation on the ground to ensure compliance, as outlined by the compact.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim thanked Trump for his role in securing the peace in Southeast Asia and around the globe.
“I am delighted, truly, president, to hear from you personally how determined you are to ensure that peace is achieved in the most intractable areas,” Anwar said.
“Almost impossible, but you did it, and we have shown our support and call on the United States, in particular, to continue this with the support of many, not only neighbors, but the world.”
Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet celebrated the treaty and emphasized its importance to the Cambodian population.
“The principle that underpins this joint declaration are those that Cambodia holds dear,” Hun said. “That no matter how difficult or complex our dispute may be, they must always be resolved through peaceful means in full conformity with existing treaties and international law.”
He said that Cambodia would work together with Thailand and its partners “to ensure that this peace endures and brings tangible benefits to our people.”
He told the crowd in attendance that he nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
“Peace saves lives, and this is the wish of our Cambodian people as appreciation for the president,” Hun said.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed gratitude for Trump’s role in the peace process.
“Thank you, once again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Charnvirakul said during the ceremony.
The two nations agreed to a cease-fire in July after a five-day border skirmish.
“Thailand stands for peace,” Charnvirakul said. “This declaration reflects our will to resolve differences peacefully in full respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
In addition to the peace treaty, Trump also announced reciprocal trade deals with Cambodia and Thailand and a critical minerals agreement with Thai authorities. Leaders from the respective nations signed joint memorandums of understanding outlining the trade pacts.
The ceremony came days after Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit died at the age of 93.
“I know the people of Thailand will remember her forever as the embodiment of dignity, kindness, and grace,” Trump said. “This is a woman who was so loved and respected.”
