Asean Unity Paved Way For Thailand Cambodia Detente Says Thai Fm

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Sihasak Phuangketkeow says the joint declaration reflected both countries’ commitment to resolve tensions through dialogue and bilateral cooperation.
Thai foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said while Asean upholds the principle of non-interference, it must be applied flexibly when internal issues have regional implications.PETALING JAYA: The sense of unity within Asean helped pave the way for a thaw in the tense relations between Thailand and Cambodia in recent months, says Thai foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow
In an interview with FMT, he said the upcoming agreement – formally a joint declaration – reflected both countries’ commitment to resolve tensions through dialogue and bilateral cooperation.
Expected to be signed at the 47th Asean Summit, the joint declaration outlines steps for border de-escalation, mine clearance and joint action against transnational crime.
Thailand and Cambodia have a long-standing dispute over several undefined sections of their 817km shared border.
However, tensions intensified in July when a five-day clash broke out, which came to an end after Malaysia brokered a ceasefire on July 28.
“Asean has its own way, the Asean way. While we uphold non-interference, we also recognise that internal matters affect the whole region. So we have to apply that principle more flexibly,” Sihasak said.
He added that Thailand and Cambodia shared the view that their long-running border dispute had cast a shadow on Asean’s unity.
“This situation between Thailand and Cambodia does not reflect well on Asean.
“We hope to get over this unfortunate chapter and restore our ties so that we can contribute to Asean’s solidarity, which is needed very much now as we are facing a number of common challenges,” he said.
Sihasak credited Malaysia, as Asean chair, for facilitating talks between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, and said the US had also played a constructive role.
“We’re very happy Cambodia is sitting down to talk with us. Previously, they preferred taking the matter to international forums. But our position has always been that we should work things out bilaterally,” he said.
However, Sihasak cautioned that the real test would come after the signing.
“It’s not a peace agreement. Peace will come after we implement what’s in the declaration. If we want real peace and not just a document, then we need to carry out what we’ve agreed.” - FMT

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