US President Donald Trump has said that while tensions have resurfaced between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the issue will be resolved soon.
He expressed confidence in both countries’ leadership, saying he could “solve the problem immediately,” though he currently sees no need to act.
Speaking at the peace agreement ceremony between Thailand and Cambodia during the 47th ASEAN Heads of State Summit in Malaysia’s capital, Trump emphasized his administration’s commitment to peace.
“I want peace all over the world. My administration has stopped eight wars in eight months — this has never happened before,” he said, highlighting his government’s efforts to end conflicts rather than start them.
“I can solve Pak-Afghan problem”
Commenting on reports of renewed tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Trump said he was aware of the situation and confident in his ability to mediate.
“I have heard that problems have started again between Pakistan and Afghanistan. I think I can do something to solve this problem, but for now I do not need to do anything,” he remarked.
The US President added, “I know both countries well, and I will solve the Pakistan-Afghanistan problems soon — and in a good way.”
Praise for Pakistani leadership
President Trump once again praised the leadership of Pakistan, expressing trust in both the Prime Minister and the country’s Field Marshal.
“The Prime Minister and the Field Marshal of Pakistan are good people. I have confidence in both of them. There is no doubt that we will solve the Pak-Afghan problem soon,” he stated.
'I like to stop wars through trade'
President Trump emphasised that his foreign policy is focused on ending conflicts through economic cooperation rather than military action.
“I like to stop wars. I have stopped eight wars so far. I want to stop wars through trade — we don’t want wars, we want commerce,” he stated.
Trump hailed the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire, which he helped broker in July after a five-day border conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations. He said the latest agreement, signed in his presence in Kuala Lumpur, could “save millions of lives.”
“This peace agreement is not just about borders — it’s about creating hope and prosperity for the region,” he added.
Trump’s role in southeast Asian peace efforts
According to Reuters, the expanded ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia was signed shortly after Trump’s arrival in Malaysia. The deal strengthens an earlier truce reached three months ago when Trump personally called both leaders and urged them to end hostilities or risk suspension of their trade talks with Washington.
Following the peace ceremony, Trump also signed two new deals — a U.S.–Cambodia bilateral trade agreement and a strategic minerals cooperation pact with Thailand, underscoring Washington’s renewed economic engagement in Southeast Asia.
Warm welcome in Malaysia
Earlier, Trump arrived in Kuala Lumpur to attend the three-day ASEAN Summit, where he received a red-carpet welcome from the Malaysian Prime Minister. In a lighter moment, the American leader waved both U.S. and Malaysian flags and even participated in a traditional dance, showcasing an unusually warm and cheerful diplomatic tone.
Videos of the U.S. president dancing at the airport quickly went viral on social media, capturing the attention of global audiences.
“The U.S. president looked energetic and cheerful, exchanging smiles and gestures of friendship,” local Malaysian media reported.
Global issues on the Summit agenda
The ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur — attended by leaders from across Asia, including China, South Korea, and Japan — is expected to focus on pressing regional issues such as the Gaza conflict, Myanmar’s civil war, and economic recovery.
Trump said he plans to discuss trade, not conflict, during his Asia tour, which includes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
“During my Asia trip, I will not talk about war — I will talk about trade,” Trump said. “The world needs peace through prosperity.”
'UN should be doing this, but it’s not'
In a striking remark, Trump criticized the United Nations for failing to effectively mediate in global conflicts.
“The UN should do the ceasefires, but it’s not doing it — so I am doing it,” he said. “Ending wars is not my hobby, but I am good at it, and I like it.”
Trump further revealed that he is open to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his current Asia tour, expressing hope that talks with China could lead to a new trade deal to prevent additional tariffs.
In his speech, the U.S. president also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic role in helping mediate a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan earlier this year.
“We stopped eight wars in eight months — including the one between Pakistan and Afghanistan — with help from Saudi Arabia,” Trump said, describing it as a success for global peace efforts.
