Cambodia steps up border diplomacy through monitoring
The Cambodian Liaison Group facilitates a field visit for Brigadier General Antero S Narcise (12-R) and the ASEAN Observer Team to observe the border situation and a displaced civilian camp in Banteay Meanchey province on September 16. Ministry of Defence
Synopsis: Ministry delegates visit observer teams to support peaceful dialogue.
Cambodia is stepping up diplomatic efforts and backing ASEAN-led border monitoring as tensions with Thailand continue, with ASEAN Observer Team personnel deployed across five provinces to monitor developments while both sides pursue dialogue, confidence-building and a peaceful settlement.
The government’s renewed focus on peaceful dispute resolution came as a Ministry of National Defence delegation on Sunday visited AOT personnel stationed in Banteay Meanchey province, while Government spokesman Pen Bona affirmed Cambodia’s commitment to dialogue, international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The delegation, led by Major General Sem Ratana, First Vice-President of the National Committee and Acting Director General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mine and ERW Clearance, represented Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Tea Seiha during a visit to AOT Station 2 in Serei Saophoan city on Sunday.
The delegation visited officers and soldiers serving with the AOT, delivering food, drinking water, soft drinks, instant noodles and financial support on behalf of Gen Seiha and his wife during the traditional Kan Ben festival.
During the visit, officials briefed the delegation on the AOT’s activities in monitoring the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border within Station 2’s area of responsibility, which covers Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pailin and Koh Kong provinces.
Maj Gen Ratana praised the officers and soldiers for their commitment to carrying out duties in the national interest as members of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Government spokesman Pen Bona said peace and peaceful dispute resolution remained core values for Cambodia.
Bona cited remarks made by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn in his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26, where the foreign minister told delegates that resolving conflicts through peaceful means was essential.
“Trust cannot be restored merely through declarations on paper or words, but comes from consistency — namely, respecting commitments, respecting international law, and resolving conflicts through peaceful means,” Bona said.
Sokhonn said the principle of sovereign equality in international relations, maintaining that all UN member states, regardless of size or power, are equal before the UN Charter and must respect its obligations.
According to Bona, Cambodia’s history of conflict and prolonged suffering has shaped its commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution, drawing on lessons from the Win-Win Policy of former Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Bona thanked the international community for supporting a lasting solution to the border dispute and noted Prime Minister Hun Manet’s message marking the International Day of Peace on September 21.
Mr Hun Manet urged Thailand to respect agreements reached between both sides and participate in resolving border issues peacefully in accordance with international law, aiming to reduce tensions and restore peace along the border.
Cambodia is also preparing to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh on November 15-16 under the theme “Reinvesting in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability”.
The AOT’s mandate includes observing, verifying and reporting on border developments. Cambodia continues to support the team in promoting transparency, accountability and mutual trust as both nations pursue peaceful mechanisms to address their differences.
-Khmer Times-
