VIANTIANE – During the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, Thailand and Cambodia held bilateral talks focused on tackling key cross-border challenges and enhancing cooperation ahead of the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year.
The talks involved Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet.
Jirayu Huangsap, Government Spokesperson, stated that Prime Minister Paetongtarn reaffirmed the close friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations. She encouraged continued collaboration for the mutual benefit of their people and extended an invitation for the Cambodian Prime Minister to make an official visit to Thailand.
The leaders discussed critical areas of cooperation, with a focus on economic collaboration. Prime Minister Paetongtarn emphasized the need to implement the joint action plan for cross-border special economic zones and proposed the “Six Countries, One Destination” initiative to boost regional tourism. She also promoted rail freight services between Thailand and Cambodia to reduce logistics costs and highlighted Thailand’s readiness to enhance connectivity between the two countries and Vietnam along the Southern Economic Corridor as part of their strategic cooperation plan.
Regarding border area development, Thailand expressed its commitment to addressing cross-border issues such as online scams and human trafficking. The Prime Minister praised the joint task force between Thai and Cambodian police, which has improved the effectiveness of their efforts. She emphasized the importance of rescuing victims and dismantling criminal networks linked to online fraud.
On drug trafficking, the leaders agreed to increase intelligence sharing and urged provincial governors in border areas to strengthen their efforts in combating drug trafficking along the shared border.
Both leaders concluded by expressing their commitment to deepening people-to-people ties and celebrated the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Cambodia next year. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both nations will coordinate activities to commemorate this milestone. (NNT)
