New york: In a significant development, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkaew of Thailand held a closed-door meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Prak Sokon at the United Nations headquarters, addressing the contentious issue of the cancellation of MOU 44. Minister Sihasak expressed concerns over Cambodia's misunderstanding of the issue and their attempt to drag Thailand into a forced compromise.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting was Sihasak's first encounter with his Cambodian counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn, since the discussions between the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines. The primary objective of these talks was to maintain peace and advance bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations.
Sihasak, following the bilateral discussions, conveyed in an interview that no conclusive resolution was reached. He stressed the importance of continuing discussions, building upon the earlier talks between the prime ministers in Cebu. While aiming to gradually resolve bilateral issues, establish a better atmosphere, and rebuild trust, misunderstandings persist, particularly concerning the maritime boundary. Cambodia perceived the cancellation of the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as a deliberate move to avoid negotiations, whereas it aimed to open opportunities for negotiation under a new dialogue framework. With Cambodia being a member of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a shared framework is now deemed necessary.
Sihasak highlighted the need for bilateral discussions under UNCLOS before resorting to a compromise committee. He emphasized the importance of creating a positive atmosphere between the neighboring countries, suggesting that through effective discussions, progress could be achieved on other critical issues such as the land border.
Furthermore, Sihasak underscored the necessity of discussing technical aspects, particularly regarding the land border negotiation framework, as the situation has evolved. He noted that resolving the land border issue requires a multi-faceted approach, considering border security and cooperation, rather than solely focusing on demarcation.
Addressing the maritime boundary issue, Sihasak stated that while Thailand's stance is not conflicting, the difference lies in the approach. Thailand advocates for initial discussions, and if an agreement is not reached, exploring other mechanisms under the convention, including both mandatory and voluntary compromise. The sincerity and willingness demonstrated in the Cebu discussions to explore alternative options indicate a preference for negotiation based on mutual interests.
In conclusion, Minister Sihasak reiterated the importance of serious discussion, emphasizing negotiation and dialogue over determining who holds the upper hand. He clarified that while a handshake signifies a meeting, it does not imply that all issues will be compromised through negotiation. Instead, negotiations will be rooted in the best interests of both countries, acknowledging that differing methods could still lead to shared goals.