PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet has shared how the US Department of State has called for an end to actions that could escalate tensions or involve territorial encroachment on the Cambodia-Thailand border.
He also noted that US officials have reaffirmed Washington’s support for the Kuala Lumpur Accord, which was brokered by US President Donald Trump.
Manet said Wednesday (Oct 7), that a US embassy official had met with him three days earlier and conveyed that the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken with Thailand, asking it to halt any actions that could escalate tensions or indicate attempts to encroach on Cambodian territory.
“Three days ago, a US embassy official came to meet with me urgently. He said the US state secretary had spoken with the Thais, asking them to stop any activities that increase tensions and cease any actions that demonstrates an attempt to encroach on Cambodian territory,” he said, without naming the US official.
He added that the US had called for the Kuala Lumpur Accord to be maintained and implemented, noting that the agreement clearly states that border demarcation must be conducted based on existing treaties and agreements through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) mechanism.
“A US official came to meet me and asked Cambodia not to take any actions that increase tensions. I explained that Cambodia has never done anything to increase tensions, and we have been very patient. Since the US helped with the Kuala Lumpur Accord, we ask that it helps ensure that border surveys take place,” he said.
Manet called for the public to remain patient concerning both maritime and land-border mechanisms, explaining that resolving disputes through legal and diplomatic channels takes time but could ultimately bring the disputes to an end.
He contrasted this with full-scale war, which he said could lead to prolonged fighting, citing the Russia-Ukraine war, which has continued for more than three years.
Manet reiterated that the General Border Committee (GBC) agreement signed on December 27 last year clearly states that the JBC working groups must continue their work.
“If this point had not been included, Cambodia would not have signed the agreement,” he said.
More than nine months after the two countries signed the agreement leading to a ceasefire, no border survey or demarcation work has been carried out.
Thailand has repeatedly offered excuses as to why their JBC team has not yet met with their Cambodian counterparts. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
