KUALA LAMPUR — Cambodia and Thailand signed a historic peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, ending years of tension over their disputed border and pledging to “cease all hostilities and build good neighborly relations.”

The accord was signed during the 47th ASEAN Summit in the presence of US President Donald Trump, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

“Both countries are agreeing to cease all hostilities and work to build good, neighborly relationships,” Trump said at the signing ceremony, adding that ASEAN observers — including Malaysia — will monitor the implementation of the truce.

Under the agreement, Thailand will release 18 Cambodian prisoners of war, while both sides will begin withdrawing heavy weapons from border areas.

“We do a lot of business with both of them. We have to use that business to make sure they don’t get into wars. This is going to be a very long peace,” Trump said.

The conflict escalated into deadly clashes in July, displacing thousands before a ceasefire brokered by Trump and Anwar halted the fighting.

Hun Manet expressed gratitude for the US-led mediation and said Cambodia had nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize “to reflect the gratitude of our people.”

“We are committed to this peace agreement and will continue to work closely with Thailand and all our partners to ensure that this peace endures and brings tangible benefit to our peoples,” Manet said.

Anutin hailed the accord as a “turning point,” saying it reflects “our will to resolve differences peacefully, in full respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

He said the two countries will promptly begin removing heavy weapons to “build confidence and trust.”

Anwar praised all parties for achieving what he called “a peace with dignity,” commending Trump for his “concern, empathy, and commitment” to supporting regional stability.

“The world needs leaders who promote peace strongly, and to achieve that, you have to break some rules,” Anwar said, recalling a light-hearted exchange with Trump during the visit.

Trump also briefly addressed tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying: “I’ll get that solved very quickly. I know both sides and have no doubt an agreement will be reached soon.” — Agencies