In a remarkable moment for Southeast Asia, United States President Donald Trump lauded Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his pivotal role in successfully brokering peace between Cambodia and Thailand — a diplomatic breakthrough now known as the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord (KL Peace Accord).
Speaking at the official signing ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur, Trump hailed Anwar as “a great historic figure,” emphasizing that his leadership helped avert a potential regional crisis. The peace deal, signed by Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, officially ended months of tension that had threatened to spiral into full-scale conflict along their shared 817-kilometre border.
Trump, who arrived in Malaysia earlier in the day to personally witness the signing and attend the 47th ASEAN Summit, shared that he had reached out to Anwar at the onset of the conflict. “I called him right at the beginning and said, ‘You have two countries fighting right next to you. We need a neutral ground — and he was there,’” Trump revealed.
The U.S. President further explained that his decision to visit Malaysia was a promise fulfilled. “I told him, if you manage to get this solved, I’ll come to your country. And here I am — because he did it.”
The KL Peace Accord, signed on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), was witnessed by both Trump and Anwar. The agreement, titled “Delivering Peace — Cambodia–Thailand Peace Deal,” marks one of ASEAN’s most significant diplomatic achievements in recent years.
Trump commended the bravery of both Cambodia and Thailand’s leaders, crediting their courage and mutual respect, but highlighting Anwar’s instrumental role in facilitating dialogue and resolution. “Prime Minister Anwar brought them together at a time when peace seemed impossible. His ability to bridge divides shows true statesmanship,” Trump said.
Anwar’s mediation prevented further bloodshed and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians living along the volatile border. The peace effort followed a tense period of military confrontation in July, which was eventually defused after Anwar hosted crucial talks between Cambodian and Thai leaders in Putrajaya on July 28.
The KL Peace Accord now stands as a symbol of ASEAN unity and Malaysia’s diplomatic maturity — a testament to how leadership and dialogue can triumph over division. Trump’s visit to Malaysia — the first by a U.S. President in a decade — underscores the global significance of this peace milestone.
Also present at the ceremony were Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin, and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Ambassador Edgard D. Kagan, and high-level Cambodian and Thai officials.
In a world too often divided by conflict, Anwar Ibrahim’s achievement reminds us that peace is not built on power, but on purpose. His success in uniting nations stands as a beacon of hope — showing that diplomacy, when led with integrity and compassion, can truly change history.
