Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 8 – Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister Jean François Tan briefed the outcomes of the official visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to Thailand, highlighting that the outcomes of this visit exceeded expectations.

The minister delegate spoke at a press conference on 7 February 2024 after Samdech Thipadei concluded his official visit to Thailand at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

During the visit, Samdech Thipadei and spouse were granted a Royal Audience by Thai King Moha Vijiralongkorn Phra Vaijiraklaochaoyuhua. Samdech Thipadei also paid separate courtesy calls on leaders of the Thai parliament, including the President of the Senate Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, and Present of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives Wanmuhamadnoor Matha. In addition, Samdech Thipadei delivered opening remarks at the Cambodia-Thailand Business Forum.

"Cambodia and Thailand agreed to immediately elevate bilateral relations from "Partnership for Peace and Prosperity" to "Strategic Partnership". In this sense, the two kingdoms will step into the new era of strengthening bilateral cooperation," Jean François Tan underscored.

Minister Jean François Tan mentioned that Cambodia and Thailand also decided to bolster diplomatic ties. Cambodia established the Consulate General in Songkhla and Thailand also established the Consulate General in Siem Reap. The main objective is to facilitate consular affairs and promote trade, investment and tourism to the two peoples. These outcomes reflect the political and diplomatic achievements during Samdech Thipadei's one-day visit to Thailand.

Both premiers also agreed to promote cooperation in the fight against transnational crime, online fraud and building the two countries' border into a border of peace and prosperity.

Regarding investment, economy and trade, Thailand is a crucial economic partner of Cambodia, Thailand is the fifth largest country to invest in Cambodia. In 2023, the largest number of Thai tourists visiting Cambodia was nearly 2 million. Cambodia and Thailand trade volume reached more than USD 8 billion by 2023.

"Cambodia and Thailand agreed to establish a joint working group to study and implement the development of complementary special economic zones, aimed at enhancing economic ties that link the production chains of both countries, especially in the electric vehicle and automobile sectors. This initiative stemmed from Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet to the Thai premier," Jean François Tan added.

Jean François Tan confirmed that Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to further strengthen ties on energy security, cooperation and exploration of new energy sources. He pointed out that Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to facilitate the movement of workers during the traditional New Year in April. For example, mutual visa fee adjustment. Cambodia and Thailand are also pledged to strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism in line with the motto of "Two Kingdoms, One Destination”.

Both kingdoms also signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) on five documents on bilateral cooperation, including MoU on Cooperation in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Response, MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Science and Technology Education, MoU on Transit Goods, MoU between the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce and the Export-Import Bank of Thailand, and MoU between the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
=FRESH NEWS