Thailand, Cambodia affirm strong ties, speeding up talks on overlapping claims a

[Mod]

Thailand, Cambodia affirm strong ties, speeding up talks on overlapping claims a


PHNOM PENH, Dec 30 --  Thailand and Cambodia have reaffirmed their strong and close ties and agreed to speed up talks on plans for joint development of the two countries overlapping maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand for their mutual benefit.

Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul and Minister of Energy Pichai Naripthaphan told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen for 45 minutes that the atmosphere was very good with friendly talks.

Mr Surapong said that Mr Hun Sen stressed the good relations between the two countries, particularly the special personal friendship with former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Mr Hun Sen expressed his desire to end the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and resume talks on the joint development area (JDA) in the maritime overlapping claims area (OCA) of approximately 26,000 square kilometres, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas.

Joint development of the areas could benefit the two nations, particularly in reference to petroleum exploitation.

However, Mr Surapong said, there was no mention of the two Thai activists, Veera Somkwamkid, a leader of the People's Network against Corruption and a high-profile activist in the Thai Patriots Network, and his secretary Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, who are jailed in Cambodian prison for espionage charges.

Mr Pichai said that Cambodia wanted to see more bilateral cooperation on economic, trade and tourism.

Cambodia also wanted to cooperate with Thailand on the Stung Num power plant and a coal power plant at Koh Kong, he said.

Mr Pichai added that the pending talks on the overlapping claims areas have taken long time with 11 Thai governments, starting with the Chatichai Chunhawan government. He said the talks have made “certain progress” and that Mr Hun Sen wanted the negotiation to end.

Mr Surapong said that after the new government took office in Thailand, relations between Thailand and Cambodia have gradually improved.

China’s Xinhua news agency on Thursday quoted Mr Hun Sen as saying that the bilateral relations between Cambodia and Thailand have "turned good" since the Pheu Thai Party led by Yingluck Shinawatra won the general election in July this year.

He added that it was the opening of the new chapter of Cambodian and Thai relations and cooperation. (MCOT online news)