Kuala Lumpur, Dec 30 (NationPress) The stability of the region has been enhanced by the efforts of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) amid various challenges faced by the group in 2025, stated Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The unity and genuine intentions of ASEAN and its partners have allowed the platform to continue fostering understanding and bridging divides, Anwar mentioned in a statement on Monday.

"Malaysia took on the role of ASEAN Chair for 2025 during a time filled with global anxiety and uncertainty. In such circumstances, ASEAN has committed to uphold the spirit of unity, dialogue, and mutual respect," he added, according to a report by Xinhua News Agency.

Malaysia concluded its chairmanship by transferring responsibilities to the Philippines for the upcoming 2026 summit.

This marks the fifth occasion Malaysia has held the ASEAN chair since the bloc's inception in 1967.

On December 22, the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN member nations convened for a 'special meeting' in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the ongoing tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, urging both nations to practice restraint and take immediate actions to halt all hostilities.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to ASEAN’s unity and centrality in promoting regional peace, security, stability, and prosperity, as outlined in the ASEAN Charter. Participants expressed grave concerns over the ongoing tensions and hostilities, which have resulted in significant casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, and the displacement of individuals on both sides of the border, per a statement from the ASEAN Chair.

Delegates called on Thailand and Cambodia to guarantee that civilians in the affected border regions can return home safely and with dignity, as they did prior to the outbreak of conflict.

This meeting occurred in light of a resurgence of conflict along the Cambodia-Thailand border that reignited on December 7, with both nations accusing each other of initiating hostilities.

The statement emphasized, "The Meeting urged both Cambodia and Thailand to exercise maximum restraint and to take immediate steps to cease all forms of hostilities. The Meeting called for the restoration of mutual trust and confidence, and a return to dialogue, utilizing both bilateral mechanisms and the good offices of the ASEAN Chair, while reviving cooperation on humanitarian demining and ensuring military de-escalation along their shared border under the supervision of the AOT, in adherence to international law, and fostering peaceful coexistence and multilateral cooperation to achieve a lasting resolution to the crisis."

During the meeting, Malaysia informed attendees about the initiatives made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as ASEAN Chair, to persuade both nations to halt hostilities. Cambodia and Thailand presented their respective positions during the discussion.