(Singapore): Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said Cambodia seeks to conclude a treaty with Thailand establishing a single, all-purpose maritime boundary, with the assistance of the UNCLOS Conciliation Commission and in accordance with international law.

Speaking at the opening of the first Cambodia-Thailand UNCLOS Conciliation Meeting in Singapore on Tuesday (Sep. 15), Prak Sokhonn outlined Cambodia’s objectives in the conciliation process, stressing that the ultimate goal is a solution that benefits both countries and promotes regional peace and prosperity.

“Our overriding objective is to achieve a resolution that serves the peoples of both nations and contributes to peace, cooperation and shared prosperity in the region,” he said.

“To that end, Cambodia wishes to conclude, with the assistance of the Commission and in accordance with international law, a treaty with Thailand delimiting a single, all-purpose maritime boundary between the two States.”

Prak Sokhonn said that, as an alternative, Cambodia would be prepared to reach an agreement with Thailand on the joint development and equitable sharing of resources pending a final settlement of the maritime boundary.

If neither a maritime boundary treaty nor a joint development arrangement can be concluded, Cambodia would ask the Commission to prepare a report containing recommendations for both parties, which could serve as the basis for a subsequent agreement.

Such an agreement, he underlined, should be concluded in compliance with the obligations of Cambodia and Thailand under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
=FRESH NEWS