Phnom penh: The Conciliation Commission constituted under Annex V to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has concluded its first meeting with Cambodia and Thailand in Singapore, according to a press release issued by Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Sept. 16. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Cambodia expressed its appreciation to the Commission for its careful and considered approach to the proceedings, reaffirming its confidence in and support for the conciliation process. During the meeting, H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, and H.E. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, signed the Terms of Appointment and finalized the Rules of Procedure governing the proceedings. In his opening statement, H.E. Prak Sokhonn stated Cambodia's overriding objective was to achieve a resolution that would serve the interests of the peoples of both countries and contribute to peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity in the region. He outlined Cambodia's intention to work with Thailand, with the assistance of the Conciliation Commission, towards concluding a treaty delimiting a single, all-purpose maritime boundary between the two countries. Should such a boundary agreement not be reached, Cambodia also expressed its intention to seek an agreement on the joint development and equitable sharing of resources in the overlapping area pending a final agreement on the maritime boundary. If neither a maritime boundary agreement nor a joint development arrangement can be achieved, Cambodia would request the Commission to prepare recommendations that could serve as a basis for future negotiations, in accordance with the obligations of both countries under UNCLOS. The Ministry said the Commission will hold further meetings with Cambodia and Thailand in the coming months as the conciliation process continues. Cambodia reaffirmed its commit ment to engaging constructively and in good faith with the aim of reaching a fair and lasting resolution of the maritime differences between the two countries, including the development of energy resources in the Overlapping Claims Area for the benefit of both sides. The Ministry also stressed Cambodia's view that international law provides a pathway for the peaceful resolution of disputes between States, adding that Cambodia entered the proceedings in a spirit of cooperation and with full confidence in the conciliation process.