Thai, Cambodian DPMs confirmed to meet Oct 28

BANGKOK, October 26 (TNA) - The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong will meet in Cambodia's Poi Pet border town of Banteay Meanchey Province next Monday (Oct 28). Permanent Secretary for Defence General Nipat Thonglek acknowledged on Saturday (Oct 26) that the Thai and Cambodian authorities will, at their meeting on October 28, discuss prepared cooperation by the two neighbouring countries after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules on the disputed vicinity surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple. General Nipat, who will also attend the meeting, told reporters that a joint press conference will be held in Thailand's eastern Sa Kaeo Province, bordering Cambodian, after the meeting. The senior official revealed that the outcome of the meeting will also be reported to Thai Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and another meeting between the two countries will be later held. The Hague-based ICJ has announced to rule the case, concerning a 4.6 square kilometres of scrub near the ancient Preah Vihear Temple contested by the two countries, on November 11, 2013. The ICJ ruled in 1962 that the Preah Vihear Temple belongs to Cambodia, but the ownership of the surrounding land remains in dispute. Phnom Penh later asked the World Court to rule on the disputed land. (TNA)