The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said the country is ready to mediate between Cambodia and Thailand amid their border tensions.
This is in the event that both countries seek help from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) when the Philippines assumes chairship next month.
“The ASEAN Foreign Ministers met today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, upon the invitation of Malaysia as ASEAN Chair, to discuss the border situation between Cambodia and Thailand,” the DFA said in a statement.
“Following the discussions today, the Philippines said that it is prepared to assume the role of facilitator/mediator between Cambodia and Thailand should both parties decide to make use of the good offices of the Chair once the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairship in January 2026,” it added.
The conflict stems from a territorial dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometer border and a smattering of ancient temple ruins situated on the frontier.
Each side has blamed the other for instigating the renewed clashes, claiming self-defense and trading accusations of attacks on civilians. — With reports from AFP
