Cambodia, Thailand sign five agreements

BANGKOK, Dec 19 (TNA) -- Visiting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Thai counterpart Gen Prayut Chan-ocha on Saturday witnessed the signing of five agreements, pledging to boost bilateral trade by triple between the two neighbouring countries ahead of an official implementation of the ASEAN Community on the New Year’s Day. Mr Hun Sen leads his ministers for a two-day official visit to Thailand as well as to celebrate 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The five signed agreements are a Joint Statement of the 2nd Thailand-Cambodia Joint Cabinet Retreat to affirm political intent in expanding cooperation between the two countries in key aspects, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the development of cross-border control facilities, the construction of a border bridge and access roads at Ban Nong Ian in Aranyaprathet district and Stung Bot in Cambodia’s Banteay Meancheay province, and an MoU on labour cooperation. The others are an agreement on Thai-Cambodian employment and an agreement on cooperation between business councils of the two countries. Gen Prayut said the meeting also agreed to coordinate on a joint patrol along the two countries’ border, aimed at suppressing illegal tree logging, drug and human trafficking. Both sides also realise the significance of transport connection. Mr Hun Sen, meanwhile, said Cambodia is willing to widen trade and investment with Thailand. Cambodia currently exports its goods valued about 1.2 billion US dollars to Thailand while the latter exports commodities amounting 4.5 billion US dollars to Cambodia, said Mr Hun Sen. Combined trade value between the two countries would soar by triple between 2020. Mr Hun Sen said Cambodia is prepared to increase goods transportation via land. The third Thailand-Cambodia Joint Cabinet Retreat will be held in Cambodia and the Thai prime minister is pleased to attend, Mr Hun Sen added. Mr Hun Sen and his ministers are scheduled to return home late Saturday. (TNA)