Accra:Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reiterated the country's strong commitment to resolving border conflicts with Thailand through peaceful means. Speaking at the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Azerbaijan, he emphasized the importance of dialogue, existing bilateral mechanisms, and adherence to international law in settling disputes.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Prime Minister Hun Manet stressed that Cambodia's recent experiences have reinforced the belief that peace is not guaranteed and must be actively maintained. He affirmed that borders and sovereignty should not be altered by force, emphasizing the necessity of resolving disputes peacefully to uphold regional peace and stability.
The Prime Minister pointed out that, while a ceasefire with Thailand is in effect, unresolved issues related to territorial integrity and sovereignty persist. He voiced concerns over Thai troops occupying areas within Cambodian territory, highlighting the need to address these issues through established bilateral mechanisms.
The role of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) was highlighted as critical in facilitating the peaceful settlement of border disputes through demarcation. However, Hun Manet noted that the implementation of agreements such as the Kuala Lumpur Declaration and the Joint Statement has been delayed, preventing approximately 20,000 Cambodian citizens from returning to their homes safely.
Despite these challenges, Cambodia remains dedicated to a peaceful resolution, safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Dialogue, de-escalation, and the peaceful implementation of bilateral agreements are deemed essential for a fair and lasting settlement, including border demarcation and confidence-building measures to restore trust and reduce tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.