Keynote Address by H.E. LTG. Maly Socheata, Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson:
1. Through the determined, transparent, open, and sincere efforts of the Royal Government of Cambodia and its armed forces, Cambodia remains unwavering in its full respect for and implementation of all terms and conditions of the ceasefire agreement, with the aim of fostering a steady recovery of the situation.
2. On July 31, 2025, Cambodia took another significant step toward fulfilling its ceasefire commitments by facilitating an inspection by the ASEAN Interim Observer Group, comprising representatives from Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The group visited the area affected by the recent armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces. During the visit, the observers inspected Military Region Four and held a meeting with Lieutenant- General Peou Heng, Commander of Cambodia’s Military Region Four.
3. Lieutenant- General Peou Heng briefed the ASEAN Interim Observer Group on the situation in the area following the entry into force of the ceasefire agreement, as well as the outcomes of the July 29 meeting between the commanders of Cambodia’s Military Region Four and Thailand’s Military Region Two. Following the briefing, Lieutenant- General Peou Heng and the delegation proceeded to the Thmor Duon Area, Banteay Amphal District, Oddar Meanchey Province, to inspect the site where MK-84 bombs were dropped by the Thai air force. Cambodia reaffirms its readiness to fully cooperate with the Malaysia-led observation group in monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
4. On August 1, 2025, the Royal Government of Cambodia formally established a coordination working group to support and collaborate with the ASEAN Observer Group in monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. This decision underscores Cambodia’s continued commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective enforcement of the ceasefire.
5. The working group is tasked with coordinating closely with the observer team led by Malaysia, providing all necessary support to facilitate the verification and implementation of the ceasefire on the ground. The working group is composed of the following members:
1. His Excellency General TEA Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, serves as Chair.
2. His Excellency KUNG Phoak, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, serves as Vice-Chair.
3. His Excellency Lieutenant General RATH Dararoth, Secretary of State of the Ministry of National Defence, serves as Vice-Chair.
Other key members include the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, the Commissioner-General of the National Police, as well as several senior officials from the Ministry of National Defence and the High Command Headquarters.
