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The government would agree to mediate in the escalating row between Thailand and Cambodia if the two neighboring countries asked it to, Foreign A f fairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said on Thursday.

“We would be willing to do that if we are considered to be able to assist them,” he said.

Marty added that the conflict was contrary to the spirit of regional amity that Asean member countries were trying to develop.

The relationship between Cambodia and Thailand has turned nasty recently, with both countries recalling their ambassadors earlier this month shortly after Phnom Penh’s announcement that it was naming ousted former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra an economic adviser. Thaksin, a fugitive from the Thai justice system, responded by playing a round of golf in Cambodia with Hun Sen, enraging the Thai government.

On the sidelines of the recent APEC summit in Singapore, Marty said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had met with Thai Prime Minister Abhist Vejjajiva and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to listen to their views on the issue.

“We will see if there are any common views between the two sides,” Marty said, adding that it was essential for both countries to maintain communication.

“We want to be part of that communication to ensure the situation does not worsen,” Marty added.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said over the weekend that Marty was scheduled to visit several Asean countries this week to formally introduce himself as the new foreign affairs minister.

The regional tour was a tradition among newly installed Asean ministers, Faizasyah said.

“We have received confirmation from the Philippines and Thailand,” he noted, adding that Marty was confirmed to meet with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

He said the ministry was still awaiting confirmation from Brunei, Vietnam, and Cambodia

The latest developments in bilateral and regional issues would be on the agenda, the spokesman said, including the ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. “We may have to listen to the concerns of each party in this matter,” Faizasyah said, adding that there was a need to get first-hand information from both countries.

Asean Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan has called on both countries to exercise restraint and on all Asean member states to refer to the Asean charter and the 1976 Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia to help resolve the dispute.