Brazil voices support for Cambodia’s peaceful implementation of agreements to resolve the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute

Brazil has expressed solidarity with Cambodia and reaffirmed its support for the peaceful implementation of existing peace agreements to resolve the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, stressing dialogue and respect for international law as the only viable path forward.

Brazil’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Cambodia, Ms Vivian Loss Sanmartin, conveyed her condolences over the loss of Cambodian civilian lives linked to the border tensions and said Brazil stands with Cambodia in seeking a peaceful resolution. She underscored that neighbouring countries cannot change geography and that disputes must therefore be addressed through peaceful negotiations in line with international law.

The remarks were made during a courtesy call and working meeting with Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, at the National Assembly Palace in Phnom Penh on Tuesday morning.

Sudary welcomed the ambassador, describing her presence as an essential step toward strengthening Cambodia-Brazil relations across both the legislative and executive branches.

Ambassador Sanmartin said that during her diplomatic tenure in Cambodia, she would work to deepen bilateral ties, including through parliamentary diplomacy, people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture, tourism, gender equality, and sports.

Sudary endorsed the ambassador’s proposals, noting that enhanced cooperation in parliamentary diplomacy, trade, economic development, tourism, and gender equality is both timely and essential.

Highlighting broader global challenges, the National Assembly president said the world is facing uncertainty amid intensifying geopolitical and economic competition, which has weakened the international order. In this context, she said, stronger bilateral and multilateral diplomacy is critical to revitalising multilateralism. She described Brazil as a key bridge between Asia and Latin America and reiterated Cambodia’s support for Brazil’s engagement as an ASEAN partner.

The National Assembly President also called for closer parliamentary ties between the two countries through exchanges of experience and reciprocal visits by friendship groups and specialised parliamentary committees. She welcomed expanded cooperation on gender equality, noting that women are a vital national resource and indispensable partners in development.
Cambodia’s National Assembly, she added, has established a women parliamentarians’ caucus to advance women’s empowerment.

Regarding the situation at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Sudary thanked Brazil for issuing a statement expressing concern and urging both countries to respect the peace agreements. She emphasised that Cambodia has no territorial ambitions and, having endured decades of war, places paramount importance on peace.

Cambodia, she said, remains focused on development and has no intention of provoking conflict with any country.

She further stated that recent hostilities have had severe humanitarian and material impacts, alleging the use of heavy weaponry that resulted in civilian casualties, large-scale displacement, and damage to public and private property, including schools, hospitals, places of worship, infrastructure, and heritage sites.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Cambodia-Brazil relations and to promoting peace through dialogue and international cooperation. AKP