Rubio Credits Trump’s Diplomacy as US Reaffirms Support for Cambodia-Thailand Peace Accords
Rubio Credits Trump’s Diplomacy as US Reaffirms Support for Cambodia-Thailand Peace Accords
WASHINGTON, October 26, 2026 — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed Washington’s support for the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords between Cambodia and Thailand, describing the agreement as a significant diplomatic achievement made possible by President Donald Trump’s leadership.
In a statementstatement released to mark the first anniversary of the accords, Rubio said Trump brought Cambodia and Thailand together to sign the agreement on October 26, 2025, laying the foundation for peace between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.
“The Accords demonstrated the power of American diplomacy to resolve the conflict and laid the foundation for peace between Cambodia and Thailand,” Rubio said.
He added that the United States would continue working with both countries to support implementation of the agreement and turn the promise of lasting peace into reality for their people.
US Reaffirms Commitment to Lasting Peace
Rubio’s statement highlights Washington’s continued diplomatic engagement with Phnom Penh and Bangkok a year after the agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The peace accords followed deadly border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand in July 2025. The agreement was intended to help de-escalate tensions and establish a framework for a more durable peace.
The signing was witnessed by Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who played roles in supporting diplomatic efforts to bring the two sides together.
Border Disputes Remain Unresolved
Despite the anniversary, tensions and disagreements along the Cambodia-Thailand border remain a challenge to achieving lasting peace.
Cambodia has reiterated its commitment to resolving border disputes and demarcation issues through peaceful means and international law, while calling for the full implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.
In its own anniversary statementown anniversary statement on October 26, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the ceasefire, avoiding threats or the use of force, and using established bilateral mechanisms—including the Regional Border Committee, General Border Committee and Joint Boundary Commission—to address border-related issues.
The ministry also expressed appreciation to the United States, Malaysia, ASEAN and other international partners for supporting dialogue and peace efforts.
Rubio’s anniversary message underscores Washington’s stated commitment to helping Cambodia and Thailand implement the accords and pursue a lasting resolution to their border dispute.
