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MALAYSIA, as the ASEAN chair, hopes the United States (US) can continue to play its role in ensuring world peace, especially after the success of the Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire and the Thailand-Cambodia peace agreement.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this when speaking at the Thailand-Cambodia Peace Agreement Ceremony, on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in the capital, on Sunday.
Also present at the event were US President Donald Trump and the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia, Anuthin Charnvirakul and Hun Manet.
Meanwhile, recalling the Thailand-Cambodia conflict, Anwar said he received a phone call from Trump, who expressed support for the peace initiative of the two ASEAN countries.
In addition, he said, Trump also contacted Anuthin and Hun Manet to expedite a peace settlement.
“I am truly pleased, President... to hear from you firsthand how determined you are to ensure peace is achieved... even in the most difficult and almost impossible areas... but you have succeeded.
“And we fully support this effort and call on the United States to remain committed, with support not only from neighbouring countries, but from around the world,” he added.
Anwar said he admired Trump's tenacity and courage, as the world needed leaders who promote peace.
"And to achieve that, you have to break some rules, as you (Trump) did," Anwar said while turning to look at the president, who was seated nearby.
Anwar said Trump has unexpectedly invited him to ride in his presidential car, known as "The Beast".
He said this went against the US president's security protocols, but Trump insisted.
The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia flared up again in 2025, stemming from a long-running dispute over the area around the Preah Vihear Temple and several other heritage sites on the border of the Dângrêk Mountains.
Media also reported the leak of phone recordings between former Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, which triggered an internal political crisis in Bangkok, leading to Paetongtarn's removal from office.
However, the 47th ASEAN Summit chaired by Malaysia was the starting point for the finalization of the peace agreement, including the withdrawal of heavy weapons and the establishment of the ASEAN Border Monitoring Force.
In his speech, Anwar also appreciated the commitment expressed by Anuthin and Hun Manet to achieve the agreement.
“Thank you to both Prime Ministers. You have done a great job. We are honoured to have you as a true friend who understands the need to ensure peace and protect our people.
“This is also important in strengthening Asia’s position as a peaceful and prosperous region,” he added. – October 26, 2025
