Seminar on new chapter of Thai-Cambodian relations

BANGKOK, December 16 (TNA) - Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul on Friday opened a seminar in Bangkok on a new chapter of Thai-Cambodian relations. Opening the seminar on Thai-Cambodian friendship and trade and investment opportunities, Surapong Tovijakchaikul said that Thailand and Cambodia have had bilateral relations for as long as 61 years and the Thai government has been dealing with neighbouring Cambodia on the basis of mutual interest. Surapong insisted that the Thai government is determined to boost trade and investment with Cambodia at all levels and both countries are strengthening their good ties, supporting the unity of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in which Thailand and Cambodia are members. Thailand is the sixth biggest investing country in Cambodia. Last year, 96,000 Thai nationals visited Cambodia and 146,000 Cambodians visited Thailand. Regarding a Thai helicopter reportedly shot near the common border in Trat Province in the Thai East recently, the foreign minister quoted his Department of East Asian Affairs as saying that it resulted from misunderstanding and he had no more information about the issue for the time being. (TNA)