Cambodia and Thailand will resume negotiations over their maritime boundary differences in The Hague from October 14 to 18, as Phnom Penh pursues a peaceful settlement through international law.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Permanent Court of Arbitration announced that the UNCLOS Conciliation Commission under Annex V of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea will convene its second meeting with both countries in the Netherlands.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Prak Sokhonn (front row, fourth from left) with UNCLOS Conciliation Commission chair Katrina Cooper (front row, third from left) and the Cambodian delegation and legal team, following a closed-door meeting in Singapore yesterday. AKP
The session follows constructive discussions held during the first meeting in Singapore, providing an opportunity for both parties to explore further progress and identify areas of agreement regarding maritime delimitation.
Cambodia’s delegation will be led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, serving as Cambodia’s Agent, alongside Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs Lam Chea as Deputy Agent, accompanied by a team of legal experts.
“Cambodia’s primary objective is to achieve a resolution that serves the peoples of both nations and contributes to peace, cooperation and shared prosperity in the region,” the ministry statement noted.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Prak Sokhonn (R), Justice Minister Koeut Rith (2‑R) and State Secretariat of Border Affairs Minister in Charge Lam Chea (2‑L) attend the first meeting of the Conciliation Commission in Singapore yesterday. MFAIC
Through the conciliation process, Cambodia aims to conclude a treaty with Thailand delimiting a single all-purpose maritime boundary or establish an agreement for the joint development and equitable sharing of resources. If neither outcome is reached, Phnom Penh will request that the commission prepare recommendations to serve as a basis for future negotiations under UNCLOS.
The ministry expressed appreciation to the chairperson and members of the commission while conveying confidence in the conciliation framework.
“Cambodia firmly believes that international law provides the foundation for the peaceful resolution of disputes between States,” the statement read. “Cambodia will participate in the meeting in The Hague in good faith and with the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, and looks forward to working with the Commission and the Kingdom of Thailand towards a fair outcome and lasting resolution.”
