PHNOM PENH, June 7 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Friday that he had discussed the ongoing border tension with Thailand with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Manet in his Facebook posting said he explained the Kingdom’s position related to the Cambodia-Thailand border to Anwar during a phone conversation.
“Cambodia adheres to the principle of maintaining peace, friendship, and good cooperation with Thailand.
“Cambodia’s decision to refer Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabei Temple and Mom Bei areas to the International Court of Justice is to seek an early, peaceful and permanent solution to the border issue in these areas rather than to prolong the uncertainty which can lead to renewed armed conflicts,” said Manet.
Border dispute between both the neighbours was triggered after a Cambodian soldier was killed following a clash with Thai troops in Preah Vihear province on May 28.
He further added that the Kingdom continues to cooperate with Thailand to expedite the demarcation and delimitation of the border (except the four areas mentioned above) through the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC).
The joint commission meeting is scheduled for June 14 in Phnom Penh.
“Cambodia continues to maintain relations between the two countries through all existing mechanisms for the mutual benefit of the two peoples,” he told Anwar, who is the chair of ASEAN this year.
Manet also congratulated Anwar on the successful hosting of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur late last month.
