Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn is currently conducting a mission abroad to present the Cambodia-Thailand border situation to friendly nations, in addition to strengthening bilateral relations.
At least one prominent analyst believes his tour is crucial, given the current border situation.
Sokhonn met with his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan on March 11, his first meeting during the current mission. According to the foreign ministry, both sides demonstrated their commitment to strengthening and deepening their long-standing bilateral friendship, contributing to regional peace, stability and shared prosperity.
The two ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern, and also engaged in “in-depth discussions on the latest developments regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border situation”.
Following his visit to Singapore, Sokhonn will proceed to New Zealand and Australia from March 13 to 16 for the same purpose, according to the ministry.
He recently addressed the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, where he shared the reality of the Cambodia-Thailand dispute, highlighting the Thai military’s continued occupation of at least 14 locations in Cambodian territory, alongside other provocative actions.
Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, believed the current tour is highly significant.
Phea noted that beyond strengthening trade and diplomatic relations with friendly nations, the visit will further expose the border situation to the international community.
“Through these visits, Sokhonn can explain the situation of the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, which was a Thai violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty, to his counterparts,” he said.
