(Phnom Penh): Outgoing French Ambassador to Cambodia Jacques Pellet reaffirmed to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen France’s readiness to provide documentation concerning the Cambodia–Thailand border issue. He also reiterated France’s support for resolving the matter through peaceful means and in accordance with the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Samdech Techo Hun Sen received a farewell call from outgoing French Ambassador to Cambodia Jacques Pellet on Thursday (Jul. 10) at the Senate.

According to Senate Spokesperson Chea Thyrith, during the meeting, Samdech Techo Hun Sen briefed the ambassador on the current and factual situation regarding the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute. He emphasised that the issue stemmed from actions on the Thai side, particularly Thailand’s unilateral map-drawing intended to infringe upon Cambodia’s territorial integrity. He cited other provocations such as unilateral border closures, the killing of Cambodian soldiers, threats to cut electricity and internet access, and the suspension of fuel and gas imports. These factors have further escalated tensions between the two countries. Samdech Techo presented these points to ensure the French ambassador had a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

On this occasion, Samdech Techo reaffirmed Cambodia’s principled stance on resolving disputes through peaceful means, including bilateral negotiations and international legal mechanisms, particularly through the ICJ. He expressed hope that France would follow through on its pledge to provide relevant documents, as previously promised by the French president to Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet. This is what Cambodia is seeking.

Furthermore, Samdech Techo stressed that Cambodia seeks nothing beyond respect for international law by all parties involved, something essential for a peaceful resolution. He underscored that Cambodia desires neither war nor conflict with any country, but instead aims to resolve the issue through a win-win strategy, rather than mutual loss. He added that as a sovereign nation, Cambodia cannot accept threats or violations of its sovereignty and remains committed to defending its territorial integrity.

For his part, the ambassador expressed his appreciation to Samdech Techo Hun Sen for the detailed explanation of the Cambodia–Thailand border issue. He confirmed that France remains prepared to provide the relevant documents, particularly maps, to support a peaceful resolution and to facilitate the process through the ICJ. He reaffirmed France’s clear support for resolving the dispute through the ICJ.
=FRESH NEWS