Thai-Khmer border will solve through mutual mechanism

By Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation

Phnom Penh—Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajivia reaffirmed today with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen that both countries would solve the border issues through the existing bilateral mechanisms.

Abhisit also hailed Hun Sen's positive speech made on 20 January in Oddar Meanchey to solve the ongoing border issues between the two countries. The Cambodian leader said he would not raise this issue at the upcoming Asean summit.

"As we are immediate neighbors and share common borders, traditions and cultures, my Government is committed to bringing better security and more prosperity to the livelihood of our two peoples and countries," Abhisit said in part in his letter, which was delivered to Hun Sen by Kasit during the courtesy call this afternoon.

In Oddar Meanchey, Hun Sen commented on the Thai-Cambodian relations that his country wants to prevent the resurgence of an armed conflict and urge both sides to continue the bilateral negotiations.

Abhisit expressed gratitude to Hun Sen for accepting the invitation to attend the 14th Asean Summit in Hua Hin on 27th February to 1st March. He also said that he would visit Cambodia in the near future "to enhance further all aspects of our relations."

Earlier Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya held "substantive" discussion with his Cambodian counterparty, Hor Namhong. He also had an audience with King Norodom Sihanoumi.