Thai PM Makes First Cambodia Visit

By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
03 March 2008

Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej arrived in Phnom Penh for a two-day visit Monday, to strengthen the relationship and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Senior government officials and staff, diplomats and high school students greeted the newly elected prime minister.

More than 1,000 people pressed around Phnom Penh International Airport early Monday morning to greet Samak, who met with King Norodom Sihamoni, Senate President Chea Sim and National Assembly President Heng Samrin, and Prime Minister Hun Sen later in the day.

"This visit is a good opportunity for the two prime ministers to exchange their opinions on strengthening the cooperation between the two countries," Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters at the airport.

Samak and other leaders were expected to discuss the construction of National Road 48, from Koh Kong to National Road 4, National Road 67, from Anglong Veng to Siem Reap province, and National Road 68, from Chaom Ksan, in Preah Vihear province, to Aranyaprateth, Thailand, Hor Namhong said.

Hun Sen would not discuss a dispute over Preah Vihear temple, "because Preah Vihear temple belongs to the Cambodians, so there's no problem to talk about," Hor Namhong said.

Deputy Prime Minister Sok An will visit Thailand to hold talks with the Thai side on Preah Vihear soon, he said.