Thailand and Cambodia have shared the same view that, as neighboring countries destined to live side by side, they will work to ensure that their bilateral relationship shall not be affected by whatever decision the International Court of Justice (ICJ) should reach on the Phra Viharn interpretation case.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia Hor Namhong on 28 October 2013 at Poipet, Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia.
Both sides discussed ways they could work together to further strengthen this good bilateral relationship during the time when ICJ is scheduled to deliver its judgment on the Phra Viharn interpretation case.
In his statement after the meeting, Mr. Surapong said that the meeting was held in accordance with the will of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen to maintain the good relationship and ongoing cooperation currently existing between Thailand and Cambodia, as well as to further promote peace along the border areas, which are the common goals always upheld by the two leaders.
Both sides upheld the will to maintain peace along the border areas and within the respective countries, and shall not allow anything to disturb their good relationship.
In order to maintain an atmosphere of friendship, he said, both sides defined measures to be jointly taken prior to and after the reading of the judgment, and concurred that measures shall be taken to keep peace along the border.
The two sides, both at the government level and the military in the area, shall maintain stability at the border, prevent any untoward incident and ensure normal contacts between the peoples of both countries and cross-border movements of goods. Both sides emphasized the importance of providing information to the public in a careful and appropriate manner, while respecting rights and expression of views of the respective countries.
The two sides recognized the necessity of fulfilling the respective internal legal processes and expressed support for the idea that both sides should get together to discuss the substantive points of the Judgment as well as any actions pertaining thereto. At this stage, they agreed to use the existing bilateral mechanism, such as the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, or other mechanism to be agreed upon.
News and information from government agencies are important. In order to avoid misunderstanding and confusion, the two sides agreed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of each country will be the main agency for coordinating information and providing accurate information to the public.
In conclusion, Mr. Surapong said that the discussion on 28 October 2013 reflected the two countries’ good intention to do their utmost to further promote their good bilateral relationship as well as peace and prosperity along their common border areas and within the respective countries.
ICJ is scheduled to announce its verdict on the Phra Viharn case on 11 November 2013.
Source: http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_news.php?id=6987&a=2