Today I had a meeting with H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia. This meeting was held in accordance with the will of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen to maintain the good relationship and ongoing cooperation currently existing between Thailand and Cambodia, as well as to further promote peace along the border areas, which are the common goals always upheld by the two leaders.

Today is therefore a good opportunity for both sides to discuss ways that we can work together to further strengthen this good bilateral relationship during the time when the International Court of Justice is scheduled to deliver its judgment on the Phra Viharn interpretation case. Gist of the meeting can be summarized as follows:  

• Both sides shared the same view that, as neighboring countries destined to live side by side, we will work to ensure that our bilateral relationship shall not be affected by whatever decision the International Court of Justice should reach. Before any action is taken, consultation shall be sought. Both sides upheld the will to maintain peace along the border areas and within the respective countries, and shall not allow anything to disturb our good relationship.

• To maintain an atmosphere of friendship, both sides defined measures to be jointly taken prior to and after the reading of the judgment, and concurred that measures shall be taken to keep peace along the border. The two sides, both at the government level and the military in the area, shall maintain stability at the border, prevent any untoward incident and ensure normal contacts between the peoples of both countries and cross-border movements of goods. Both sides emphasized the importance of providing information to the public in a careful and appropriate manner, while respecting rights and expression of views of the respective countries.

• The two sides recognized the necessity of fulfilling the respective internal legal processes and expressed support for the idea that both sides should get together to discuss the substantive points of the Judgment as well as any actions pertaining thereto.  At this stage, the two sides agreed to use the existing bilateral mechanism, such as the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JC) or other mechanism to be agreed upon.

• News and information from government agencies are important.  In order to avoid misunderstanding and confusion, the two sides agreed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of each country will be the main agency for coordinating information and providing accurate information to the public.
       
In conclusion, today’s discussion reflects the two countries' good intention to do our utmost to further promote our good bilateral relationship as well as peace and prosperity along our common border areas and within the respective countries.

Thank you.

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