Phnom Penh: The Philippines confirmed its readiness to continue leading the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to facilitate a neutral and peaceful resolution of Cambodia–Thailand border issues. The assurance came during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., head of the Philippine armed forces, at the Peace Palace on the morning of February 12, 2026.
The Philippine military chief thanked his hosts for the warm welcome, recalled longstanding ties and good cooperation between the two armed forces, and committed to further military cooperation in training, experience sharing and capacity building.
Hun Manet welcomed progress in bilateral defence relations and expressed hope for broader cooperation in every area, including the army, navy and air force.
On conditions along the Cambodia–Thailand border, he reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful solutions based on bilateral agreements, existing conventions and treaties, and international law, as well as respect for agreements reached previously.
He also valued the AOT’s role and expressed confidence that, under the Philippines as rotating ASEAN chair, it would remain active in facilitating peaceful solutions and lasting stability for both countries and the region as a whole.
The article presents the Philippine assurance as a positive sign for strengthening ASEAN mechanisms to maintain regional peace and security. By: KPS99TV.
