Phnom penh: Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving its maritime boundary dispute with Thailand peacefully and in accordance with international law, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn said today.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, during the first meeting of the Conciliation Commission established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) between Cambodia and Thailand in Singapore, H.E. Prak Sokhonn explained the reasons behind Cambodia's decision to initiate the compulsory conciliation process. He highlighted Cambodia's understanding of the importance of peace, shaped by decades of conflict and its devastating human and economic consequences, as the foundation for its commitment to a peaceful resolution.

Cambodia and Thailand began discussions on their maritime boundary in April 1995. In 2001, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning their overlapping claims to the continental shelf, indicating their intention to reach an agreement on the maritime boundary and jointly develop resources for mutual benefit. However, despite ongoing negotiations, no agreement on a maritime boundary or joint development treaty has been reached, leaving the resources beneath the undelimited waters unexplored.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn noted that Thailand announced its unilateral cancellation of the 2001 MoU on May 5, 2026, despite Cambodia's repeated calls for the agreement to be honoured. In response, Cambodia chose to initiate compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS, considering peaceful options available under international law.

The Cambodian Agent emphasized that the proceedings aim to provide a peaceful pathway toward a fair and lasting settlement and should be viewed as a means of rebuilding trust rather than escalating tensions. He referenced Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet's remarks from June 2, 2026, asserting that a peaceful settlement guided by international experts and law would benefit both countries by protecting sovereignty, unlocking energy resources, supporting development, and creating employment opportunities.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn expressed hope that Thailand would engage constructively in the conciliation process and work to improve bilateral relations through the full implementation of existing agreements, particularly the Joint Statement of Dec. 27, 2025. He highlighted that such efforts could facilitate the return of over 20,000 displaced villagers, support the preservation of cultural sites, and contribute to the normalization of bilateral relations.

Restoring peace and stability between Cambodia and Thailand, he concluded, would benefit not only the peoples of the two countries but also the broader ASEAN Community.