Cambodia: Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn has emphasised the shared responsibility of neighbouring countries - as Cambodia and Thailand are and will remain permanent neighbours - to ensure lasting peace and stability for the peoples of both countries, for the region, and for the ASEAN family. H.E. Prak Sokhonn, also Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, made the remarks at the third Cambodia-Thailand-China Trilateral Meeting held at the Fuxian Lake, China's Yunnan Province, on Dec. 29.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister expressed appreciation for China's active role, particularly the leadership and efforts of President Xi Jinping, in facilitating dialogue and consultation, which has contributed to the ceasefire and the outcome of the recent 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting. He stressed that the first priority is full respect for and effective implementation of the ceasefire to ensure its durability, enabling trust-building, de-escalation, and a return to normalcy. He reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to upholding the ceasefire to move towards lasting peace, cooperation, and good-neighbourliness.
Going forward, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister underscored key priorities, including adherence by both sides to the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special GBC Meeting, existing treaty and convention, and all previous agreements. He emphasised the importance of preserving and respecting the ceasefire, securing the release of the 18 Cambodian soldiers who remain captive, and ensuring the safe return of civilians in the affected areas to their homes and livelihoods.
H.E. Deputy Prime Minister also stressed the importance of convening the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to resume survey and demarcation work, advancing cooperation within agreed frameworks, strengthening confidence-building through military and diplomatic communication, and reinforcing the role of the AOT. He reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and encouraged China to continue its role in ceasefire facilitation.
On the sidelines of the Trilateral Meeting, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister held a meeting with H.E. Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China. The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Cambodia-China friendship and agreed to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, advancing the building of an all-weather Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future.
Both sides committed to enhancing regular high-level exchanges and deepening cooperation across all sectors. They exchanged views on regional and international issues, particularly the Cambodia-Thailand border situation, and emphasised cooperation to promote peace, stability, and development in the region. H.E. Wang Yi announced China's readiness to provide humanitarian assistance for displaced people in the affected border areas, including emergency relief aid worth RMB 20 million for Cambodia's displaced persons during the conflict.
On Dec. 29, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister held a meeting with H.E. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire and the full implementation of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special GBC Meeting, stressing the need for enhancing communication, mutual trust, and joint efforts to ensure peace, security, and stability along the border.