Regarding Cambodia’s Stance on the Use of the Compulsory Conciliation Mechanism under UNCLOS September 15, 2026
Regarding Cambodia’s Stance on the Use of the Compulsory Conciliation Mechanism under UNCLOS September 15, 2026
Cambodia PR Team Responses
Regarding Cambodia’s Stance on the Use of the Compulsory Conciliation Mechanism under UNCLOS
September 15, 2026
Q1: What is Cambodia’s objective in the compulsory conciliation process under the UNCLOS mechanism?
A: Cambodia’s objective is to seek a solution that benefits the peoples of both countries and contributes to peace, cooperation, and prosperity in the region. Specifically, Cambodia aims to achieve a treaty on maritime boundary delimitation between Cambodia and Thailand in accordance with international law. In the event that this cannot yet be achieved, Cambodia is also prepared for a joint development agreement and equitable resource sharing until a final agreement is reached. Should it prove impossible to achieve a final agreement—whether on the maritime boundary or joint development—Cambodia has requested the Commission to prepare a report containing recommendations to both parties, which could subsequently serve as a basis for future negotiations to conclude such agreements, in compliance with the obligations of both parties under UNCLOS.
Q2: Does Cambodia’s initiation of the conciliation procedure mean that Cambodia seeks confrontation or intends to escalate the conflict with Thailand?
A: No, it does not. Cambodia’s decision to initiate the compulsory conciliation procedure under UNCLOS is aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law. This process is intended to find a way out of the deadlock and restore confidence between the two parties—not to escalate tensions or worsen the conflict.
Q3: What does Cambodia expect from Thailand in participating in this conciliation process?
A: Cambodia expects Thailand to participate in the conciliation process in a constructive and good-faith spirit, and to join in improving bilateral relations through the full and effective implementation of existing bilateral agreements, particularly the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025. Cambodia believes that such efforts will help reduce tensions, restore confidence, enable displaced persons to return to their homes, and pave the way for relations between the two countries to return to normalcy.
