(Phnom Penh): Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Haji Malek Razak Bin Sulaiman expressed support for Cambodia's position of resolving its border dispute with Thailand peacefully and in accordance with international law.

His remarks were made during a courtesy call on Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodian Senate President. on Saturday (Jul. 11) at the Senate's Solidarity Palace.

According to Senate Spokesperson Chea Thyrith, Samdech Techo welcomed General Malek Razak and his delegation, describing the visit as an important step toward strengthening the longstanding friendship between Cambodia and Malaysia, particularly in defence cooperation. He also congratulated the Malaysian general on his appointment as Chief of Defence Forces.

General Malek Razak thanked Samdech Techo for the meeting and reaffirmed the close ties between the two countries. He said his visit reflected the strength of Cambodia-Malaysia relations, especially in the defence sector, and noted that he had held talks with Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence on expanding bilateral military cooperation.

Samdech Techo said Cambodia and Malaysia continue to enjoy growing bilateral relations, strengthened further by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to Cambodia. He added that economic cooperation has expanded alongside increasingly close military ties.

Through General Malek Razak, Samdech Techo conveyed his appreciation to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for Malaysia's efforts, as ASEAN Chair, to help address the Cambodia-Thailand border issue. He highlighted Malaysia's role in establishing the International Observer Team (IOT) and the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), describing the latter as a lasting legacy of Malaysia's ASEAN leadership.

During the meeting, Samdech Techo reiterated Cambodia's position that all border disputes with Thailand should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law.

On the occasion, General Malek Razak praised Samdech Techo Hun Sen's leadership in guiding Cambodia from conflict to peace and development and expressed his respect for Samdech Techo's experience in handling Cambodia-Thailand issues. He reaffirmed Malaysia's support for Cambodia's peaceful approach to resolving the border dispute.
=FRESH NEWS