New york: Regarding the border dispute with Thailand, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn said that de-escalating tensions and rebuilding trust are the main priorities to normalise relations between the two nations.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Prak Sokhonn made the remarks during his meeting with H.E. Ant³nio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, on the sidelines of the General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York, as per a press release issued this morning by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the UNSC and conveyed the gratitude of the Royal Government of Cambodia for Guterres’ continued engagement in supporting the de-escalation of tensions in the border dispute with Thailand. This includes Guterres’ positive statement urging both sides to refrain from the use of force and his request to continue such efforts.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to further efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions, rebuilding trust, and restoring normalcy in relations with Thailand. He stated, “Cambodia cannot assert any power to any other country, even smaller than us, because what we want is peace. Cambodia had been through three decades of war and we have endured the tragedy of genocide.”

H.E. Ant³nio Guterres expressed his hope for the two neighbouring countries to resolve their challenges peacefully through dialogue and mutual commitment. He informed that he had communicated Cambodia’s concerns to his Thai counterpart, emphasizing the importance of finding a solution to prevent suffering among the populace.