ASEAN is willing to set up a contact group to help resolve the strained relations between Thailand and Cambodia over the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

However, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said this would only be done if both countries agreed to the proposal and that they had exhausted all avenues for a resolution.

Rais said Asean member countries were updated on the issue.

"What is most important is that both countries must continue to exercise utmost restraint in solving the issue.

"We were given an assurance that Thailand and Cambodia would abide by their Asean and international obligations and work hard to find a peaceful solution."
Rais said before the contact group is formed, it would be better for Thailand and Cambodia to continue with discussions.

"Asean does not look positively to the move by Cambodia to inform the Unted Nations about the issue. We believe the problem between Thailand and Cambodia can be resolved.

"After having just one meeting, you cannot say that you have exhausted all avenues, as experience has taught us the best way would be to continue with meetings until a solution is reached."

Earlier in the day, Rais had bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of India, New Zealand, Brunei and Australia.

The 41st Asean Ministerial Meeting is attended by the 10 Asean member countries, the 10 dialogue partners -- Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States -- and observers, which comprise Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, North Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.