Phnom Penh hails NCPO's efforts

Phnom Penh hails NCPO's efforts

The Cambodian government yesterday reaffirmed its close relationship with Thailand under the leadership of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and praised the military administration as an effective way to rapidly solve problems in the country, particularly the migrant workers issue.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen, left, shakes hands with visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn, in Phnom Penh yesterday. AFP

Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tea Banh met Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn in Phnom Penh yesterday.

Gen Tanasak led the Thai delegation, which included Education Minister Adm Narong Pipathanasai, Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong and Deputy Defence Minister Gen Udomdej Sitabutr. The one-day visit to Cambodia was Gen Tanasak's first foreign trip since becoming foreign minister. They discussed labour, border and economic issues.

At the meeting, Gen Tea Banh congratulated the new cabinet members in attendance. He has also sent a letter of congratulations to his counterpart Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, who was appointed deputy prime minister and defence minister.

"The military administration presents a good opportunity as problems will be solved faster under a military system. A good example is the migrant workers issue which was solved in a short period of time," Gen Tea Banh said.

He said the Cambodian government will not allow any group to organise opposition to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) in the country.

Gen Tanasak, meanwhile, said he explained the need for the May 22 coup to Gen Tea Banh and other high-ranking officials. The coup was staged to prevent the political and economic situation from worsening, which could have affected the broader Asean region, he said.

Gen Tanasak also expressed appreciation for Gen Tea Banh's visit to Thailand in late July.

"The recent visit of Gen Tea Banh was an example of great support from a true friend. It was like family members who always support each other," he said.

Gen Tanasak told the Cambodian minister that Thailand is moving towards democracy and now entering the second phase of the three-stage roadmap with the new cabinet in place to run the country. He said Gen Prayuth plans to visit Cambodia in the near future.

The Thai delegation also paid a courtesy call to Prime Minister Hun Sen, who vowed to pursue a closer bilateral relationships on border cooperation and joint development.

The Cambodian premier also expressed confidence in the government and sent his support to Gen Prayuth, saying Thailand can move forward and enter the Asean Community with confidence.

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