PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the armed clashes in the capital of Kayah State between the Myanmar military and the armed rebel forces, calling on all parties to come to a ceasefire, end all violence and maintain the highest tolerance.

In a statement issued on Thursday, 20 January, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it considers the recent clashes between the Myanmar military and the rebel forces have affected the progress made during Prime Minister Hun Sen’s recent working visit to Myanmar.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled, "Prime Minister Hun Sen had stressed that based on the experience and lessons learned from the Cambodian peace process, complete peace and national unity could not be achieved without the full participation and consensus of all stakeholders.”

The Ministry further called on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and initiate dialogue to create favorable conditions for the restoration of peace in the country, which could pave the way for the implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.

Kayah State is a state in eastern Myanmar adjacent to Mae Hong Son province, Thailand. On 8 and 9 January 2022, the Myanmar military launched airstrikes on Loikaw city, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.

According to news site The Irrawaddy, more than 300,000 people in Kayah State have been displaced by fighting after the February coup, and most of Loikaw's population of about 150,000 continue to flee the Myanmar military’s airstrike attacks.