(Phnom Penh): The Spokesperson of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation affirmed that the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU-2001) remains in force, despite Thailand’s consideration of unilateral withdrawal, according to a press release seen by Fresh News on Thursday (Apr. 9).

Responding to several media inquiries concerning Thailand's consideration to withdraw from the Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Area of their Overlapping Maritime Claims to the Continental Shelf signed between Cambodia and Thailand in 2001 (MOU-2001), the Spokesperson underlined that the signing of MOU-2001 reflects the genuine political will and common intent of Cambodia and Thailand to pursue, in good faith, a mutually acceptable framework for the joint exploitation of resources in the Overlapping Claim Area (OCA), while simultaneously advancing maritime boundary delimitation in accordance with international law.

The MOU-2001 embodies the goodwill of both nations in their efforts to foster a maritime boundary defined by friendship, cooperation, and shared prosperity for their peoples. Under its provisions, the MOU-2001 remains in force until its objectives are fully achieved.

Therefore, it would be deeply regrettable if Thailand were to unilaterally withdraw from the MOU-2001, as such a step would depart from the cooperative spirit underpinning the agreement. Cambodia, for its part, remains firmly and consistently committed to both the letter and the spirit of MOU-2001, as well as to the goodwill and good faith that guided its conclusion in 2001.
=FRESH NEWS