BANGKOK, Thailand – H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended a trilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, and H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, on December 29.
Thailand and Cambodia expressed appreciation to China for the continuing role and understanding to ease tensions between the two countries. China reiterated its respect for the non-interference principle and expressed its readiness to serve as a platform to support lasting peace between the two countries.
Thailand reiterated that adjustments to relations should be done on a step-by-step basis. Thailand has always chosen the path of peace and sees the need to gradually build mutual trust and confidence between the two governments and peoples. The Thai side will consider releasing 18 soldiers after the 72-hour ceasefire observation period and requests that Cambodia facilitate the return of Thais along the border. Both sides will then discuss other measures, such as reducing hostilities, demining, removing heavy weapons, and suppressing scammers, to ensure people’s safety along the border. (NNT)
