Bangkok--Oct 14--MFA
On 13 October 2008, Mr. Sompong Amornvivat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, paid an official visit to Cambodia. He was graciously granted an audience with H.M. Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia. He also paid a courtesy call on Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister, and met with Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia.
After the visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sompong gave a press interview. Gist as follows:
1. The official visit was part of the Foreign Minister’s customary introductory visits to fellow ASEAN member countries after his recent assumption of office.
2. Thailand and Cambodia agreed to hold a meeting between Foreign Ministers of the two countries to discuss ways and means to solve the border problems at the earliest opportunity. The said meeting would be held before the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). Both sides also agreed to hold the meeting of Region Border Committee (RBC) on 15 and 21 October 2008.
3. Thailand briefed the Cambodian side that the Thai Constitution stated that the Royal Thai Government must seek approval of “Provisional Arrangement” from the Parliament before it can negotiate with other countries on the matters that may affect its territorial integrity. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand said that he would expedite the aforesaid process and also informed the Cambodia of name of Thailand’s new JBC Chairman next week.
4. Both sides exchanged views on cooperation to resolve their border problems in a peaceful manner through the existing bilateral mechanisms. The authorities concerned of the two countries have to discuss with one another with patience and flexibility in order to avoid any undesirable use of forces. The border clash would benefit neither Thailand nor Cambodia.
5. As for Cambodia’s request for redeployment of Thai military personnel in the area adjacent to the Temple of Phra Viharn, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sompong stated that the Thai military personnel in the area, like those of Cambodia perform their duty with the feeling that the territory belongs to their country protecting territorial integrity of the country. Both sides therefore have to work together for the settlement of the problem.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : [email protected] End.
-PM-
On 13 October 2008, Mr. Sompong Amornvivat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, paid an official visit to Cambodia. He was graciously granted an audience with H.M. Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia. He also paid a courtesy call on Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister, and met with Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia.
After the visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sompong gave a press interview. Gist as follows:
1. The official visit was part of the Foreign Minister’s customary introductory visits to fellow ASEAN member countries after his recent assumption of office.
2. Thailand and Cambodia agreed to hold a meeting between Foreign Ministers of the two countries to discuss ways and means to solve the border problems at the earliest opportunity. The said meeting would be held before the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). Both sides also agreed to hold the meeting of Region Border Committee (RBC) on 15 and 21 October 2008.
3. Thailand briefed the Cambodian side that the Thai Constitution stated that the Royal Thai Government must seek approval of “Provisional Arrangement” from the Parliament before it can negotiate with other countries on the matters that may affect its territorial integrity. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand said that he would expedite the aforesaid process and also informed the Cambodia of name of Thailand’s new JBC Chairman next week.
4. Both sides exchanged views on cooperation to resolve their border problems in a peaceful manner through the existing bilateral mechanisms. The authorities concerned of the two countries have to discuss with one another with patience and flexibility in order to avoid any undesirable use of forces. The border clash would benefit neither Thailand nor Cambodia.
5. As for Cambodia’s request for redeployment of Thai military personnel in the area adjacent to the Temple of Phra Viharn, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sompong stated that the Thai military personnel in the area, like those of Cambodia perform their duty with the feeling that the territory belongs to their country protecting territorial integrity of the country. Both sides therefore have to work together for the settlement of the problem.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : [email protected] End.
-PM-