Cambodian, Thai leaders to meet in Malaysia over ongoing border conflict

PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai are scheduled to meet on Monday in Malaysia to talk over ongoing border conflict, both sides said on Sunday.

"I will lead Cambodian delegation to attend a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur," Hun Manet said in a post on his official social media platforms Sunday night, adding that "the purpose of this meeting is to achieve an immediate ceasefire."

"I'd like to thank (Malaysian) Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his initiative and coordination to organize and host this special meeting," he added.

Thai government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said on Sunday that Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will lead a delegation to Malaysia for discussions on the Thai-Cambodian border issue.

In a statement, Jirayu Houngsub said Phumtham will travel to Malaysia on Monday at the invitation of Anwar Ibrahim, prime minister of Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair.

Armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers over disputed border areas entered a fifth day on Monday, Cambodian defense ministry's undersecretary of state and spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said.■