Thai, Cambodian authorities agree to maintain good relations

BANGKOK, October 28 (TNA) - Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to maintain sound bilateral relations no matter how the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules on their territorial dispute case on November 11, 2013. The agreement was announced on Monday, after Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and his delegation crossed the border from Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo province in the Thai East to meet with his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong in Cambodia's Poipet border town earlier in the day. The one-hour closed-door meeting was held before the Hague-based ICJ rules on the case concerning the ownership of a plot of land surrounding the ancient Preah Vihear Temple along the Thai-Cambodian border on November 11. After the meeting, the Thai and Cambodian delegations crossed the common border and held a joint press conference at a hotel in Aranyaprathet. Surapong told journalists that the meeting responded to the intention of Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen to maintain sound bilateral relations, cooperation and peace along the Thai-Cambodian border. According to the Thai deputy premier, both sides reached four conclusions. They include firstly, no matter how the World Court rules, it will not affect bilateral relations, as Thailand and Cambodia must co-exist as neighboring countries for good. Secondly, both neighboring countries will maintain peace along their border at governmental and military levels. Thirdly, both sides will support discussions on the ICJ's verdict through existing mechanisms, including the Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation. Fourthly, the Thai and Cambodian Ministries of Foreign Affairs will provide their people with correct information to prevent any confusion. Thai delegates attending the close-door meeting include Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Permanent Secretary for Defence General Nipat Thonglek. (TNA)