Prime Minister Hun Manet: Cambodia Decides to Invoke UNCLOS Compulsory Conciliation to Peacefully Resolve Maritime Overlapping Claims with Thailand

Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia:

«Dear Compatriots,

Today, the Royal Government of Cambodia has decided to pursue the mechanism of Compulsory Conciliation under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in order to find a peaceful resolution based on international law for maritime overlapping claim area between Cambodia and Thailand, after Thailand has officially declared the unilateral withdrawal from the Memorandum of Understanding between Cambodia and Thailand, also known as the MOU 2001 (Thai reference as MOU44).

For more than 25 years, this Memorandum of Understanding has played a crucial role as a mutually agreed bilateral framework for both sides to address overlapping maritime claims. The entry into force of this Memorandum of Understanding reflects the spirit of cooperation and mutual goodwill.

It is regretful that Thailand has decided to unilaterally withdraw from this Memorandum of Understanding. For Cambodia, we have always given priority to bilateral mechanisms in line with this Memorandum of Understanding for dealing with our overlapping maritime area. This unilateral withdrawal from this Memorandum of Understanding would reject the only bilateral agreement, which constitutes the only bilateral framework that both parties have relied upon for more than two decades.

In this case, as a state that firmly respects and adheres to international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes, Cambodia would be left with no choice but to rely upon international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), particularly the mechanism of Compulsory Conciliation under this Convention.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to clarify that this mechanism of Compulsory Conciliation is established by the UNCLOS to assist state parties in resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law.

Therefore, Cambodia’s decision reflects our sincere hope that both countries can reach a just and lasting solution in line with international law, allowing our peoples to live together in peace, stability, and harmony.»