(Phnom Penh): Cambodia reiterated its unwavering commitment to resolving border issues peacefully and in accordance with international law during the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), according to a press release on the outcomes of the meeting seen by Fresh News on Saturday (Jul. 25).
Addressing regional partners, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn reaffirmed that the ARF’s founding principle of open dialogue, preventive diplomacy and mutual trust are more relevant than ever in helping members to navigate differenced peacefully, maintain channels of communication, and prevent tensions from escalating into conflict.
On the Cambodia–Thailand border issue, the foreign minister expressed Cambodia’s sincere appreciation for the attention, concern, support and contributions of ARF participants for the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.
He emphasized that the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand is not simply a matter between two countries. It directly concerns ASEAN and the world at large because it touches on the basic principles set out in the ASEAN and the UN Charters, which are: respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the renunciation of the threat or use of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
During the meeting, the minister also underscored that although the ceasefire continues to hold, the situation on the ground remains a matter of concern. Obstructions placed around the occupied villages continue to prevent more than 20,000 Cambodian civilians for returning to their homes without obstruction in safety and dignity, as agreed by both sides. In this regard, he called for the full and effective implementation of the Joint Statement of 27 December 2025.
Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn further emphasized tat despite these difficulties, Cambodia has consistently pursued peaceful means in addressing both the maritime and land boundary issues. He added that Cambodia initiated compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS as a response to Thailand’s unilateral termination of the MOU 2002, which had been the only bilateral framework available to both sides for addressing the maritime boundary issue. He underlined that Cambodia’s response is peaceful, lawful and constructive. Now that both countries are participating in the conciliation process, the minister hoped that it will proceed in good faith and lead to mutually acceptable solution firmly grounded in international law, as exemplified by the positive outcome between Timor-Leste and Australia reached among them – as the first countries to accept this legal process.
On the occasion, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn underlined that the same approach guides Cambodia’s approach to the issue of land borders inherited from the French colony with treaties and maps. He underscored that land and maritime boundary issues are two separate matters governed by two different legal frameworks, so there is no legal or practical justification to using one to halt progress on the other. He reaffirmed that Cambodia’s objective remains a just, peaceful, and lasting settlement that would allow the two peoples to live side by side in peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
=FRESH NEWS
