Washington: The United States of America has welcomed Thailand's release of the 18 Cambodian soldiers, describing the move as a positive step towards rebuilding neighbourly relations and trust, read a press statement issued by Mr. Thomas 'Thommy' Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the U.S. Department of State.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the statement dated Dec. 31 expressed the United States' appreciation for the resolute efforts by the Cambodian and Thai governments to uphold the Dec. 27 ceasefire agreement. The statement emphasized that this action demonstrates both countries' commitments to lasting peace by implementing the provisions of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.

The U.S. statement also reaffirmed its readiness to support the Cambodian and Thai governments as they resume the critical implementation measures agreed to in the Oct. 26 Joint Declaration. The 18 Cambodian soldiers safely returned to Cambodia at 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 31 via the Prum International Border Crossing in Pailin province, under the observation of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).