US Announces US$45 Million Funding To Support Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- Following a recent resurgence in fighting between Cambodia and Thailand, the United States (US) has announced financial support totalling US$45 million for the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords aimed at stabilising the border regions of the two countries.
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael George DeSombre made the announcement during a digital press briefing here on Friday and emphasised Washington’s commitment to a durable peace in the region under the administration of President Donald Trump.
DeSombre said the financial support includes US$15 million for border stabilisation to aid displaced persons, US$10 million for demining and clearing unexploded ordnance, and US$20 million for initiatives to combat scam operations and drug trafficking.
"The restoration of peace at the Thai-Cambodian border opens new opportunities for the United States to deepen our work with both countries to promote regional stability and advance our interest in a safe, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific," he said during the virtual briefing.
DeSombre shared that he is currently in Bangkok to meet with senior Thai officials, and will travel to Phnom Penh tomorrow to continue discussions with Cambodian counterparts regarding the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.
Asked about the timeline for the disbursement of these funds, he said the details are still being finalised.
"We just announced and provided this information to Thailand today, and we'll be speaking to Cambodia tomorrow. So we will be speaking with them and figuring out exactly how the amounts are disbursed and when," he said, stressing that the US is "very committed" to ensuring the funds are effectively utilised.
DeSombre reiterated that the US remains actively engaged in the peace process, with President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintaining direct communication with leaders in the region to ensure commitments are honoured.
Asked about the border demarcation issues, DeSombre clarified that while the US stands ready to provide support, the work by the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) is expected to be resolved bilaterally between Thailand and Cambodia.
DeSombre also commended the critical role Malaysia played in mediating the conflict, and singled out Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan for praise.
He said that following a decisive intervention by President Trump in July to de-escalate rising tensions, Malaysia as the 2025 ASEAN Chair moved quickly to co-host ceasefire talks.
"We really saw in the process of achieving the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, the real active involvement of Malaysia as the then-ASEAN chair, demonstrating the power of the chair of ASEAN to be actively involved in promoting regional peace and stability," he said.
He credited the initial July 28, 2025, ceasefire to the mediation efforts of Trump and Anwar.
Furthermore, DeSombre said the leadership of Malaysia’s Foreign Minister in convening an ASEAN Special Foreign Ministers meeting on Dec 22 was instrumental in re-establishing peace on Dec 27 after a resurgence in fighting earlier in the month.
Addressing concerns about the durability of the ceasefire, the US official expressed optimism regarding the multilateral mechanisms now in place, including the deployment of ASEAN Observer Teams (AOTs). DeSombre said the US believes the involvement of the AOTs will be helpful in preserving the peace accords.
He also touched on the upcoming Thai elections scheduled for Feb 8, expressing confidence that the Thai government, regardless of the outcome, will continue to implement the peace accords.
-- BERNAMA
