Cambodia and Thailand agreed to upgrade relations and discuss disputed waters

Phnom Penh [Cambodia], February 8: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin held talks on bilateral and multilateral cooperation in many areas of common interest.
During a meeting in Bangkok on February 7, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin welcomed the first official visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and a high-ranking Cambodian delegation. Prime Minister Srettha said that this visit will promote stronger bilateral relations between Cambodia and Thailand, according to news portal Fresh News .
Within the framework of strengthening political and diplomatic relations , the two leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship from "Partnership for peace and prosperity" to " Strategic partnership " for the common benefit of the two countries. nations and people of the two countries.
The two leaders praised the good results of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on strengthening and expanding cooperation between the two countries in many fields such as politics, economics, defense, security, and trade. trade, investment, tourism, employment and energy.
The two leaders added that their governments will discuss joint exploration of oil and gas resources in areas with overlapping sovereignty claims between the two countries, according to Nikkei Asia newspaper . "At the same time, we are trying to make progress in demarcating the maritime boundary and have agreed to discuss this issue along with the exploitation of our resources," Prime Minister Srettha said.
Reliant on energy imports, Thailand is said to be eager to reach an agreement with Cambodia to develop a disputed 27,000 square kilometer area in the Gulf of Thailand, estimated to contain large amounts of natural gas and reserves. large amount of oil.
Speaking at the press conference, Prime Minister Hun Manet said the two leaders "discussed the possibility of establishing free special economic zones along the border area to promote supply chain links in industrial sectors." key industries such as automobiles, electronics and medical equipment."
The two leaders also mentioned regional and global issues, expressed satisfaction with mutual support at international forums and promoted cooperation in the fight against transnational crime and fraud. online and build the Cambodia - Thailand border into a border of peace and prosperity, according to Fresh News .
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper