ID :
65529
Fri, 06/12/2009 - 20:59
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http://m.oananews.org//node/65529
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Thailand, Cambodia reaffirm dialogue as border dispute resolution tool
PHNOM PENH, June 12 (TNA) – Thailand and Cambodia agreed on Friday to adhere to peaceful means to address border problems and to proceed with negotiations under the agreed framework, according to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Mr. Abhisit on Friday paid a one-day official visit to Cambodia at the invitation of his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen.
During the visit he held bilateral talks with Hun Sen covering a wide range of issues including land and maritime boundaries, cooperation to promote peace and stability in border areas, development and use of land transport networks, energy cooperation, trade promotion, investment and tourism to collectively cope with various challenges resulting from the global financial crisis.
After the one-on-one talks, followed by a full delegation meeting, Mr. Abhisit told reporters that both sides agreed to foster cooperation in all areas, particularly in planning to resolve border problems by peaceful means and adhering to the agreed framework.
More talks would be held at different levels, including both military personnel and government officials, to avoid any future military clashes, he added.
The Thai prime minister said Thailand and Cambodia agreed to cooperate in a road-building project in which Thailand would grant a loan to Cambodia. Both sides would jointly develop the overlapping maritime boundary and also jointly study the Stung Mnam power station project as there were some different opinions over the project.
The two neighbouring countries also agreed to discuss details of an exchange of two prisoners, as there were two Thais imprisoned in Khmer jails while Cambodia also has two inmates serving jail terms in Thailand. Thailand and Cambodia have no extradition treaty.
The two leaders also discussed cooperation on rice as Cambodia is the third largest rice exporter after Thailand and Vietnam and wanted coordination in rice exporting which would be benifit all three countries.
Mr. Abhisit's visit to Cambodia was his first since coming to office late last year.
In addition, the two prime ministers witnessed a ceremony transferring seven pieces of Khmer sculpture from Thailand’s minister of foreign affairs to a representative of the Government of Cambodia.
The historic works of art hold religious and cultural significance for Cambodia and were smuggled into Thailand where they were intercepted and seized by the Thai authorities.
The return represents the application of an agreement between Cambodia and Thailand to counter illicit trafficking and cross-border smuggling of ‘movable cultural property’ —mainly ancient Khmer temple sculptures – and to return such items to the country of origin. The pact was signed nine years ago in 2000. (TNA)
Mr. Abhisit on Friday paid a one-day official visit to Cambodia at the invitation of his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen.
During the visit he held bilateral talks with Hun Sen covering a wide range of issues including land and maritime boundaries, cooperation to promote peace and stability in border areas, development and use of land transport networks, energy cooperation, trade promotion, investment and tourism to collectively cope with various challenges resulting from the global financial crisis.
After the one-on-one talks, followed by a full delegation meeting, Mr. Abhisit told reporters that both sides agreed to foster cooperation in all areas, particularly in planning to resolve border problems by peaceful means and adhering to the agreed framework.
More talks would be held at different levels, including both military personnel and government officials, to avoid any future military clashes, he added.
The Thai prime minister said Thailand and Cambodia agreed to cooperate in a road-building project in which Thailand would grant a loan to Cambodia. Both sides would jointly develop the overlapping maritime boundary and also jointly study the Stung Mnam power station project as there were some different opinions over the project.
The two neighbouring countries also agreed to discuss details of an exchange of two prisoners, as there were two Thais imprisoned in Khmer jails while Cambodia also has two inmates serving jail terms in Thailand. Thailand and Cambodia have no extradition treaty.
The two leaders also discussed cooperation on rice as Cambodia is the third largest rice exporter after Thailand and Vietnam and wanted coordination in rice exporting which would be benifit all three countries.
Mr. Abhisit's visit to Cambodia was his first since coming to office late last year.
In addition, the two prime ministers witnessed a ceremony transferring seven pieces of Khmer sculpture from Thailand’s minister of foreign affairs to a representative of the Government of Cambodia.
The historic works of art hold religious and cultural significance for Cambodia and were smuggled into Thailand where they were intercepted and seized by the Thai authorities.
The return represents the application of an agreement between Cambodia and Thailand to counter illicit trafficking and cross-border smuggling of ‘movable cultural property’ —mainly ancient Khmer temple sculptures – and to return such items to the country of origin. The pact was signed nine years ago in 2000. (TNA)