Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand held talks with Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia on ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia as well as on cooperation in post-COVID-19 economic recovery

On 25 January 2021, H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, held an introductory meeting via VDO conference with H.E. Mrs. Tout Panha, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia. They were pleased that Thailand and Cambodia are now celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and agreed that more outreach activities should be carried out to promote mutual understanding and friendship among the peoples of both countries, especially the youths.

Both sides discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation on cross-border issues, including the prevention of illegal border crossings, illegal logging and transboundary haze. They also discussed cooperation in post-COVID-19 economic recovery, particularly upgrading of international points of entry, constructive contributions of Thai private sector to Cambodia’s sustainable economic development, and the need for closer cooperation on digital economy.

Thailand will support Cambodia in building laboratory testing capacity for COVID-19 in Banteay Meanchey Province, which will contribute to both countries’ efforts in fighting the pandemic.

The Thai Permanent Secretary sought Cambodia’s consideration to allow more Thai companies to export or transit live pigs through Cambodia, emphasizing the high safety standard of Thailand’s livestock industry.

He also reaffirmed Thailand’s support for Cambodia as the host of 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit in 2021.