WASHINGTON

The US on Wednesday welcomed Thailand’s release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained since July, hailing the two countries' "resolute efforts" to uphold a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US and Malaysia on Dec. 27.

"We welcome Thailand's release of the 18 Cambodian soldiers as a positive step towards rebuilding neighborly relations and trust," State Department Deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement.

"The United States stands ready to support the Cambodian and Thai governments as they resume the critical implementation measures agreed to in the October 26 Joint Declaration," he added.

The soldiers were repatriated at the Prum International Border Crossing between Cambodia's Pailin Province and Thailand's Chanthaburi Province.

The ceasefire followed nearly three weeks of deadly border clashes that left at least 99 people dead, including civilians.

Under the agreement, all 18 soldiers held since the border clashes in July — in which at least 48 people were killed — were to be returned to Cambodia if the ceasefire remained fully intact for the initial 72 hours.