DILI, 30 July 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of Timor-Leste and Nobel Peace Laureate, José Ramos-Horta, welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, as chaired and hosted by Malaysia, following recent escalations along their shared border.
President Horta has been closely following the situation with deep concern and great hope for a quick resolution.
He said that Timor-Leste considers both Thailand and Cambodia long-standing and cherished partners in the region.
The Head of State stressed that Timor-Leste highly values its friendship with Thailand and Cambodia and appreciates their commitment to peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding.
“We hold in highest regard the leadership and people of both nations, and it is in this spirit of friendship and regional solidarity that I express my sincere appreciation for the leadership shown by both governments in engaging in a path of peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding,” said Horta in a statement.
He said that the loss of life, displacement of civilians, and risk of broader instability in the region have underscored the ongoing need for constructive engagement.
Horta commended the efforts undertaken in Kuala Lumpur to mediate this breakthrough, as the first step in the path towards a durable and peaceful resolution. “The outcome of the Special Meeting hosted on 28 July by Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, reflects the true spirit and success of regional cooperation when approached through open dialogue and a joint commitment to peaceful resolution.”
“As firm believers in regional solidarity and the international global order, we reaffirm the importance of ASEAN’s founding principles and mechanisms – open dialogue and consensus building – as essential tools in navigating complex regional challenges,” the President said. He added that as Southeast Asians, “we must draw upon these foundational values to engage in a framework of open and constructive dialogue that must be upheld in moments such as this.”
Horta stands fully committed to the ASEAN spirit and the strength of the international rule of law, and the collective responsibility to preserve peace and stability in the region: “As a country that has engaged deeply in peaceful conflict resolution, we reiterate our readiness to offer any support to all ASEAN member states and international partners in sustaining peace and rebuilding trust.”
He emphasized that in critical moments, all parties must engage in good faith and work collaboratively towards lasting solutions. “Timor-Leste remains steadfast in solidarity with its neighbours, and with all who strive for a more peaceful and cooperative world.”
TATOLI
