PHNOM PENH, April 28 (AP) - (Kyodo)—Cambodian and Thai defense ministers met Tuesday in Cambodia's northern province of Siem Reap in an attempt to ease border tensions between the two nations, a senior Cambodian defense official said.
Nem Sowath, chief of staff for Cambodia's defense minister, told Kyodo News by telephone that technical teams from the two countries also met Tuesday to pave the way for further discussions by the defense chiefs on Wednesday.
Nem Sowath said issues of border and military cooperation are on the agenda and both governments are committed to avoiding military clashes.
Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh and his Thai counterpart Prawit Wongsuwon jointly chair the General Border Commission between Cambodia and Thailand.
The commission holds annual meetings alternately in Cambodia and Thailand. Last year's meeting was held in Thailand.
Cambodian and Thai troops began confronting each other near Cambodia's ancient temple of Preah Vihear in July last year. There have been several gun battles and numerous soldiers from both sides have been killed or injured.
The confrontation covers an area of 4.6 square kilometers of territory disputed by the two countries. Both sides have refused for nearly 10 months to back away from their positions.
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