UNITED STATES President Donald Trump has commended Malaysia’s pivotal role in facilitating ceasefire negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia, describing the country’s diplomacy as “instrumental” in restoring peace along their disputed border.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Trump said his decision to include Malaysia in his regional tour was a recognition of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s contribution to the peace process.
“I told the leader of Malaysia, who is a very good man, I said, ‘I think I owe you a trip,’ and that’s why we’re stopping in Malaysia for that reason. Malaysia was very much involved (in Thailand–Cambodia ceasefire),” he said.
The presidential aircraft is expected to land at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 10am, where Trump will be received by Anwar at the Bunga Raya Complex.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that he was travelling to Malaysia to witness the signing of a landmark peace accord between Thailand and Cambodia.
“I am on my way to Malaysia, where I will sign the great Peace Deal, which I proudly brokered between Cambodia and Thailand. Sadly, the Queen Mother of Thailand has just passed away. I send my condolences to the Great People of Thailand. I will be seeing their wonderful Prime Minister when we land,” he stated.
A joint declaration on the ceasefire is set to be signed later today between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit. The signing will be witnessed by Anwar, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, and President Trump.
The Thailand–Cambodia truce follows years of border tensions that most recently escalated into a military confrontation on 24 July. Four days later, Anwar hosted a high-level meeting in Putrajaya between Manet and then acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, successfully defusing the conflict.
The ceasefire, hailed as a significant ASEAN diplomatic success, has averted wider military escalation and safeguarded thousands of civilians living along the 817-kilometre border.
Malaysia, as this year’s ASEAN Chair, is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit from 26 to 28 October at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Meanwhile, aboard Air Force One, Trump also extended his gratitude to Qatar’s Emir and Prime Minister for their vital role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire.
The appreciation was conveyed during a brief refuelling stop at Al Udeid Air Base, home to the United States’ regional military headquarters. AFP reported that Qatar’s leaders boarded the aircraft upon its arrival for the meeting.
“What we have achieved is extraordinary peace in the Middle East, and they have been a very big factor in it,” Trump said, adding that Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Thani “is a friend to the world.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who recently returned from Israel as part of Washington’s intensive diplomatic efforts to sustain the Gaza truce, was also present during the discussions.
This marks Trump’s first trip to Asia since returning to office in January, with two regional summits and bilateral meetings — including one with Chinese President Xi Jinping — on his agenda.
Qatar has been a key mediator in indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas since the conflict erupted following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. Together with Egypt, the United States and Turkiye, Qatar is one of the guarantors of the fragile truce.
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier this week to discuss sensitive follow-up steps, including the establishment of a security force in Gaza and the fate of Hamas.
Reports from Gaza indicated that Israeli airstrikes targeted an Islamic Jihad fighter even as the ceasefire held. Israel reiterated its right to defend its territory and forces against attacks.
“Let’s see what they do in the next 48 hours. I’m watching this very closely,” Trump later posted on Truth Social. - October 26, 2025
