Trump headlines ASEAN Summit, oversees Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire and trade deals

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — U.S. President Donald Trump attended the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia on Sunday, where Thailand and Cambodia signed an expanded ceasefire agreement to end border hostilities. The deal, signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, was overseen by Trump under the banner “Delivering Peace.”

The agreement builds on a truce signed three months ago, marking a significant step toward stability in the region. Cambodian leader Hun Manet said the accord would “begin the process of mending our ties,” acknowledging the suffering of border communities divided by years of conflict.

Trump, who helped mediate an earlier end to the five-day border war in July, said, “The United States will have robust commerce and cooperation with both nations as long as they live in peace.”

Upon arriving in Malaysia, Trump was warmly greeted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and a troupe of traditional dancers. He joined the performance briefly before heading to Kuala Lumpur for the summit.

On the sidelines, U.S. and Chinese officials held talks aimed at de-escalating their ongoing trade tensions. Both sides described the discussions as productive, with Trump expressing optimism about a potential deal with President Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting in South Korea.

The White House announced that U.S. tariffs on most exports from Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia will remain at 19%, while a 20% rate on Vietnamese exports will also continue. Trump assured Southeast Asian leaders of continued U.S. partnership, saying, “The United States stands with you 100% and will remain a strong ally for generations.”

During the summit, East Timor — also known as Timor-Leste — officially became the 11th member of ASEAN. The small nation of 1.4 million, one of Asia’s poorest, now hopes for economic growth and deeper regional integration. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao called the moment “a dream realized” and a “powerful affirmation of our people’s journey.”

(Reuters)