Second Cambodia-Thailand conciliation meeting set for Oct 14-18 in The Hague

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 — The second meeting of the Conciliation Commission under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) between Cambodia and Thailand will be held in The Hague, the Netherlands, from October 14 to 18.

In a statement, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) said the meeting, to be held in camera, would build on the constructive discussions held during the first session in Singapore from September 14 to 16.

“Building on the constructive discussions held during the first session in Singapore, the commission and the parties will continue their positive engagement on the issues under consideration, explore avenues for further progress, and identify areas of agreement relating to the delimitation of a maritime boundary between the two states,” the statement read.

The conciliation proceedings were initiated by Cambodia on June 2.

Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry said the meeting marked another important step in the peaceful process initiated by the kingdom to resolve maritime differences between the two countries.

“Building on the constructive discussions held during the first meeting in Singapore, the session will provide an opportunity for the parties to explore avenues for further progress and identify areas of agreement relating to the delimitation of a maritime boundary,” the ministry said in a statement.

The Cambodian delegation will be led by its Agent, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, and its Deputy Agent, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs Lam Chea. They will be accompanied by a Cambodian delegation and legal team.

“Through this process, Cambodia’s intention is to conclude a treaty with Thailand delimiting a single, all-purpose maritime boundary between the two states, or an agreement for the joint development and equitable sharing of resources pending final agreement on their maritime boundary,” it said.

The ministry noted that if neither of these options was achieved, Cambodia would request the Commission to prepare recommendations that could serve as a basis for future negotiations, in accordance with both countries’ obligations under UNCLOS.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said the second meeting presented a crucial opportunity for the Thai side to provide the commission with the relevant technical facts, with a view to finding an equitable resolution to maritime delimitation with Cambodia on the basis of international law.

“As state party to UNCLOS, Thailand stands ready to cooperate with and support the work of the Conciliation Commission,” the ministry said in a statement.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, in his capacity as Agent, together with Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt in his capacity as Advisor will lead the Thai delegation at the second meeting.

The Thai delegation also comprises Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs Songchai Chaipatiyut in his capacity as Deputy Agent, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and specialised experts from the relevant agencies. — Bernama