Bangkok, Phnom Penh to become sisters' cities

BANGKOK, May 9 (TNA) - Thai and Cambodian authorities have agreed on a plan to establish Bangkok and Phnom Penh as sisters' cities for mutual benefits in various areas. Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, who is visiting Cambodia from May 8-10, told journalists Wednesday, after paying a courtesy call on Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, that the Cambodian leader confirmed his support for the plan, proposed by the governors of both the Thai and Cambodian capitals. M.R. Sukhumbhand said he and Hun Sen have agreed that the establishment of Bangkok and Phnom Penh as sisters' cities will benefit people of both cities in the areas of traffic and water management, environment conservation, anti-drugs, youth programs and others. According to the Bangkok governor, the Cambodian Premier has also agreed to consider organizing a meeting of mayors or governors of the capital cities of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) within this year, during Cambodia’s chairmanship of the 10-member ASEAN bloc. The Bangkok governor acknowledged that the planned meeting is part of the ASEAN member countries' preparations for the formation of the ASEAN Single Community by 2015. The Bangkok governor indicated that political issues were not raised during his meeting with the Cambodian leader, but a common view was shared, as close neighbouring nations, Thailand and Cambodia are to seek ways to live together peacefully. (TNA)