In a significant development, the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand have reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade, agriculture, education, labor, defense, and security. On 28 September 2023, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet of Cambodia received a visit from Prime Minister Srettha THAVISIN of Thailand, marking the first official visit by the Thai Premier to Cambodia.
The visit aimed to further strengthen ties of traditional friendship, good neighborliness, and multifaceted cooperation between the two kingdoms under the spirit of Enhanced Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. The Thai Premier emphasized that his choice of Cambodia as his first official overseas visit signifies the importance of the ties between the two countries.
During extensive bilateral talks, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their firm commitment to elevate cooperation to new heights through regular high-level interactions among leaders, ministries, institutions, and local authorities. They encouraged closer collaboration among relevant authorities to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity along the border, transforming it into a border of lasting peace and development.
The two sides reiterated the importance of further intensifying two-way trade and investment. They agreed to instruct relevant authorities to expedite negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding on Goods in Transit between Cambodia and Thailand to address pending issues with goods transiting from third countries. The two Prime Ministers also agreed to task respective relevant authorities to effectively utilize existing mechanisms and explore more potential opportunities to boost cross-border trade to reach the bilateral trade target of USD 15 billion by 2025.
Addressing key issues related to agriculture, the two Prime Ministers emphasized the importance of exchange of agricultural expertise, including flood and drought management. On matters related to corn, Prime Minister Srettha THAVISIN proposed covering the issue of corn in its entirety, not only harvesting. Samdech Thipadei proposed that the Thai side provide greater market access for various Cambodian agricultural products.
The two sides attached importance to the digital economy and green economy in support of socio-economic recovery, poverty eradication, and sustainable development. They welcomed the joint launch of the KH-QR cross-border payment system to promote the use of local currency and facilitate tourism and trade.
In the field of tourism, the two Prime Ministers urged relevant authorities to effectively implement the Joint Action Plan on Tourism Cooperation 2023-2025 and further enhance visitor flows between the two countries and from elsewhere under the slogan “Two Kingdoms, One Destination”. Prime Minister Srettha THAVISIN supported Cambodia’s proposal for increased flights, particularly focusing on secondary cities.
In the realm of education, Samdech Thipadei expressed deep gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Royal Thai Government, and private companies for their continued assistance in developing Cambodian human resources by establishing institutions like the Kampong Chheu Teal Institute of Technology and Kampong Speu Institute of Technology, and providing many scholarships every year. His Excellency Srettha THAVISIN reaffirmed Thailand’s role as a strong development partner of Cambodia.
On labor, Samdech Thipadei expressed his appreciation to the Royal Thai Government for taking care of the rights and legitimate interests of Cambodians living and working in Thailand. Prime Minister Srettha THAVISIN emphasized that Cambodian workers play a crucial role in Thailand’s economy; thus, we have to take care of their well-being.
In defense and security sector, the two sides committed closer cooperation in preventing and suppressing illegal activities, exchanging and sharing information, news, and assisting each other in natural disasters relief. The two Prime Ministers also emphasized the importance of continuing demining activities along the border, strengthening safety measures to protect the people and national security.
At the request of Samdech Thipadei, Prime Minister Srettha THAVISIN will take with utmost consideration Cambodia’s proposal for better immigration procedures and border facilitation, and expedite the process of establishing a Consulate General of Cambodia in Songkla Province to expand consular assistance to Cambodian people working and residing in the southern part of Thailand.
The visit concluded with a handover ceremony of the “Transit and Reception Centre for Victims of Trafficking and Other Vulnerable Groups” in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey Province. The center provides victims of human trafficking with protection and rehabilitation services, including temporary accommodation, food, health care, medical treatment, education, vocational training, and safety life skills without discrimination.
The visit marked a significant step towards strengthening Cambodia-Thailand relations, with both countries committing to enhance cooperation in various sectors. The joint efforts aim to promote peace, prosperity, and development in the region, underscoring the importance of bilateral ties between the two kingdoms.
Conclusion
The visit by Prime Minister Srettha THAVISIN of Thailand to Cambodia has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to enhance cooperation and strengthen ties on peace, prosperity, and cooperation. The joint efforts aim to promote socio-economic development, trade, and tourism in the region, while addressing key issues related to agriculture, education, labor, defense, and security. The successful visit highlights the importance of bilateral relations between Cambodia and Thailand, paving the way for a stronger partnership in the years to come.