In a moment of international diplomacy that will be remembered for years to come, United States President Donald Trump commended Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his remarkable leadership in brokering peace between Thailand and Cambodia. The historic signing of the KL Peace Accord — held today in Kuala Lumpur — marks a turning point for Southeast Asia’s stability and a testament to the power of dialogue over division.
Trump, who arrived in Malaysia earlier this morning to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit, lauded Anwar for his unwavering commitment to regional harmony. “Anwar’s efforts prevented the escalation of a border conflict and safeguarded thousands of lives,” Trump said during his address. “He is not only a respected statesman but a great historic figure who has shown the world what true diplomacy looks like.”
The KL Peace Accord was formally signed by Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, with both Anwar and Trump witnessing the landmark event. The agreement, titled “Delivering Peace — Cambodia-Thailand Peace Deal,” was finalized on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Trump shared that he personally called Anwar at the onset of the dispute. “I told him — you have two neighboring countries in conflict, and you could be that neutral bridge. And he was,” Trump revealed. “When he succeeded, I told him I would come to Malaysia — and here I am.”
The Cambodia–Thailand conflict, which escalated into armed clashes along their 817-kilometre border in July, had threatened to destabilize the region. However, Anwar’s mediation in Putrajaya on July 28 brought the two sides together for a critical meeting that achieved a lasting ceasefire — a move hailed as a major ASEAN diplomatic victory.
Anwar’s leadership not only helped avert bloodshed but reaffirmed Malaysia’s position as a pivotal player in fostering peace and unity across Southeast Asia. His role in transforming potential warfare into meaningful dialogue reflects the kind of diplomacy the modern world urgently needs.
As the world watched from Kuala Lumpur today, one thing became clear — true leadership is not about power, but about peace. Anwar Ibrahim’s name now stands alongside global figures who chose reconciliation over rivalry. His courage and humanity have once again shown that Malaysia’s voice carries wisdom beyond its borders.
