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top diplomat from Thailand Two days of talks with Cambodia begin China Sunday as Beijing The group seeks to step up its role in mediating their border dispute, a day after the two countries signed a new ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire signed on Saturday calls for an end to weeks of fighting along the disputed border between the two countries, which has killed more than 100 people and displaced more than 500,000 people in both countries.
Thai Foreign Minister Sissak Punchjoo and Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn will meet in southwestern China’s Yunnan province for talks brokered by the Chinese foreign minister. Wang Yi.
A statement from West Kazakhstan’s office said the talks were aimed at ensuring a sustained ceasefire and promoting lasting peace between the two countries.
Wang plans to attend bilateral meetings and trilateral talks with each diplomat on Monday.
China welcomed the ceasefire declaration, which froze the front lines and allowed displaced civilians to return to their homes near the border.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: “China is willing to continue to provide a platform and create conditions for Cambodia and Thailand to carry out more adequate and detailed communication.”
The ceasefire agreement came with a 72-hour observation period, after which Thailand agreed to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers held since fighting in early July. Their release is a major demand of Cambodia.
China has sought to position itself as a mediator in the crisis, along with the United States and Malaysia.
The July ceasefire was brokered by Malaysia and came under pressure from the U.S. president Donald Trumphe threatened to revoke trade privileges unless Thailand and Cambodia agreed.
Despite the agreements, Thailand and Cambodia continued to engage in a fierce propaganda war, with small incidents of cross-border violence continuing and erupting into fierce fighting in early December.
Prasukhon issued a statement after meeting with Wang Yi, expressing deep appreciation for China’s “important role” in supporting the ceasefire.
China also announced 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) in emergency humanitarian aid to Cambodia to assist displaced people.
Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin wrote on Facebook that the first batch of Chinese aid, including food, tents and blankets, arrived in Cambodia on Sunday.
Sikhasak said on Sunday he hoped the meetings would send a message to China that it should support a sustainable ceasefire and send a signal to Cambodia against rekindling the conflict or trying to create more conflicts.
“Thailand does not just see China as a mediator in our conflict with Cambodia, but hopes that China will also play a constructive role in ensuring a sustainable ceasefire by sending such signals to Cambodia,” he said.