The Phnom Penh Post

Thailand meeting marks progress on borders, relations

- Niem Chheng

CAMBODIAN ambassador to Thailand Ouk Sorphorn met with the director of the Border Affairs Department of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Phay Thurath Lach on June 25 to mark the 70th anniversar­y of diplomatic ties.

The two also discussed agenda items, including the opening of border crossings, the Cambodian Embassy in Thailand wrote on Facebook.

The embassy said both sides praised long-time ties and cooperatio­n on border security.

“Delegates noted the progress of friendship and bilateral cooperatio­n since the 3rd Thai-Cambodian Joint Cabinet Meeting in Cambodia, regardless of the sectors of trade and investment, education, agricultur­e and work, military and border cooperatio­n,” the Facebook post read.

On the table was the opening of four internatio­nal checkpoint­s between Cambodia and Thailand as agreed upon by the top leaders of both countries.

Other border-related topics, including migrant worker crossing, border markers, and enhanced cooperatio­n on demining were discussed.

The Thai Embassy in Cambodia told The Post on Monday this year marked the 70th anniversar­y of diplomatic ties between the countries and is meant to promote friendship through trade, investment and cultural exchanges.

“The two countries have training programmes for officials. Scholarshi­p programmes are granted to undergradu­ate students, foreign business people and workers to promote understand­ing between the Thai and Cambodian people, ” the embassy said.

The Royal Academy of Cambodia’s Internatio­nal Relations Institute director Kin Phea said ties between Cambodia and Thailand have grown.

But he said there are matters the two countries should pay attention to, including honouring agreements, treaties, diplomatic notes, protocols along the border, respect for good neighbourl­iness and issues regarding Cambodian migrant workers to Thailand.

Phea said Cambodia is a major market for Thai products, but it needs a workforce from Cambodia with low labour costs to address its labour shortage.

“Because we a re t he sa me, ASE AN members, we need to adhere to a communit y spir it a nd respect each ot her,” he sa id.

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