Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 23 – Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra affirmed Thailand's continued cooperation with Cambodia to eliminate criminal networks operating along the Thai-Cambodian border.
The Thai prime minister spoke in a joint press statement with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace on Wednesday (Apr. 23).
On this occasion, the Thai prime minister expressed deep honor in making an official visit to Cambodia, especially in this significant year marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. She also expressed pride in joining Prime Minister Hun Manet in commemorating this historic milestone.
She noted that the two leaders held cordial and productive discussions, reaffirming their strong commitment to deepening cooperation based on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests. She emphasized that the two nations will continue to strengthen people-to-people ties, especially with a focus on youth engagement and understanding.
According to the Thai prime minister, both countries signed an agreement to establish Skills Development Centre in Phnom Penh. In addition, a series of events are planned throughout the year to celebrate the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations, showcasing the depth and longevity of their friendship.
She further highlighted key areas of cooperation:
1. Strategic Partnership: The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic partnership, and expressed satisfaction with the near-completion of a Joint Action Plan to ensure tangible benefits for both peoples. She welcomed the opening of a Thai Consulate in Siem Reap and a Cambodian Consulate in Songkhla in the near future.
2. Security Cooperation: The two leaders agreed to enhance military cooperation at all levels to maintain peace and stability along the shared border. The Thai prime minister thanked Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet for the strong police cooperation in combating cybercrime. Both sides pledged to continue working together to dismantle criminal networks operating along the Thai-Cambodian border. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cross-border environmental pollution will strengthen efforts to address the PM2.5 air pollution crisis through information sharing and capacity building.
3. Border Development: Thailand expressed readiness to host the Joint Border Governors' Meeting, which will coincide with the official inauguration of the first Thailand-Cambodia Friendship Bridge. Both countries agreed to accelerate demining efforts along the border and enhance cooperation between their Special Economic Zones (SEZs). They also pledged to finalize a bilateral land transport agreement, allowing private vehicles to cross borders, and to develop cross-border freight railway services to reduce logistics costs and improve efficiency, contributing to stronger regional connectivity.
4. Economic Partnership: Thailand and Cambodia are committed to boosting bilateral trade from USD 10 billion to USD 15 billion by 2027. The Thai prime minister thanked her Cambodian counterpart for supporting Thai investors, who currently rank as the ninth-largest source of foreign investment in Cambodia. Both leaders also agreed to deepen regional economic integration through ASEAN and enhance connectivity in the Mekong subregion.
5. Tourism Promotion: The two countries will strengthen tourism cooperation and promote the “Five Countries, One Destination”campaign by updating the cross-border travel agreement, aiming to facilitate greater tourist mobility.
6. Labor Cooperation: Both sides pledged to ensure that Cambodian workers are recruited through legal channels, so they can enjoy proper welfare and benefits.
This comprehensive collaboration underscores the growing partnership between Cambodia and Thailand, reflecting their shared vision for peace, prosperity, and regional integration.
=FRESH NEWS
