Macron Offers Support for Peaceful Resolution of Cambodia-Thailand Border Dispute

Detailed summary

French President Emmanuel Macron said on November 15 that France will encourage the return of dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand ...

PHNOM PENH – French President Emmanuel Macron said on November 15 that France will encourage the return of dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand through multilateral forums, as he signed 29 agreements with the Cambodian government.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Macron said he wanted the two neighbors to reach a negotiated, peaceful resolution of their border disputes based on international law. “You (Cambodia) are aware of France’s commitment in this regard,” he said.

The agreements center on bilateral taxation, cooperation in defense and armed forces, support for heritage preservation, commitment to a hydropower transmission and energy storage project, the establishment of a public health research mechanism, the establishment of a wholesale market, and 23 others.

Macron said Cambodia “can continue to count on France in the future as it has in the past,” and reaffirmed French support as Cambodia approaches graduation from least developed country status. “France stands by your side, through both good times and crises,” he said.

Prime Minister Hun Manet said Cambodia is committed to a peaceful resolution of the border issue with Thailand, based on international law and existing agreements. He thanked France and President Emmanuel Macron for their efforts in this regard.

“The outcome of French President Macron’s historic state visit has provided fresh momentum to Cambodia-France relations and serves the interests of the people of both nations,” he said.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in his official Facebook post, said Thailand respects agreements with Cambodia and is committed to international law, emphasizing actions taken to protect its sovereignty and the safety of its people.

He proposed resolving disputes peacefully through bilateral channels without involving third parties, advocating for confidence-building measures to restore friendship between the two nations.

“As far as Thailand is concerned, we expect Cambodia to faithfully demonstrate the same…

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