Cambodia seeks fair and lasting resolution with Thailand

Islamabad (ANTARA) - Cambodia is pushing for a fair and lasting resolution to its disputes with Thailand, while emphasising the importance of respecting the equality of national sovereignty, stated Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prak Sokhonn.

In his speech during the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly on Saturday (26/9), Prak stated that recent tensions and conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand have “seriously eroded trust and confidence.”

He called for the full implementation of agreements reached by both nations, as well as the immediate resumption of survey and demarcation work through the Joint Boundary Commission.

Prak noted that more than 20,000 Cambodian civilians are still unable to return to their homes and urged progress in resolving unfinished border issues.

Meanwhile, regarding the maritime dispute between the two nations, Prak stated that Cambodia has initiated a compulsory conciliation process based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), after Thailand terminated the 2001 memorandum governing the matter.

“Both Cambodia and Thailand will benefit from a fair and lasting resolution,” said Prak, adding that Phnom Penh continues to seek a relationship with Bangkok based on “peace, cooperation, and mutual respect.”

Prak emphasised the equality of sovereignty as a fundamental principle in international relations. “The (UN) Charter does not establish one standard for powerful nations and another for less powerful nations,” he said.

“All member states, large or small, are equal before the charter,” he added. He asserted that international law must be respected and disputes must be resolved through peaceful means.