PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen will meet with Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing via video call tomorrow to monitor the situation in the country after the recent escalation of violence between the Myanmar military and armed rebel forces.

The Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister, Kao Kim Hourn, told reporters after Prime Minister Hun Sen’s virtual meeting with the Malaysian Prime Minister, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, that the reason for his planned meeting with Min Aung Hlaing tomorrow is to review the situation following his visit to Myanmar, particularly regarding the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi and the use of military in the ongoing armed conflict in the capital of Kayah State between the Myanmar military and armed rebel forces.

During Prime Minister Hun Sen's visit to Myanmar, a joint statement was issued along with Myanmar military leader Min Aung Hlaing to ensure the coordination of the visit of special envoys to Myanmar to meet with all the parties involved in the conflict, including ethnic armed groups.

On January 8 and 9, a day after Prime Minister Hun Sen left Myanmar, the Myanmar army launched airstrikes targeting rebels in the city of Loikaw, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.

On January 20, the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the armed conflict, and called on all parties to accept a ceasefire, end all violence and maintain the highest level of tolerance. The Ministry also stated that the recent clashes have affected the progress achieved during the Prime Minister state’s visit.