The Thai and Cambodian prime ministers say they have come up with "a shared vision for the futures of the two countries", placing a focus on connectivity, economic cooperation and development of economic special areas along the border.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha led a delegation of ministers to meet his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen for talks on economic issues on the first day of his two-day official visit to Cambodia yesterday.
The visit is part of Gen Prayut's tour of Asean countries to reaffirm Thailand's commitment to boosting relations and cooperation with neighbouring countries and Asean members following his swearing in as premier. Cambodia is the second Asean country he has visited after Myanmar.
The aim of the visit to Cambodia was to strengthen ties with Cambodian leaders and to work out a shared vision for the two countries' relations, and to push forward important cooperation projects that have been stalled.
Observers say the sight of Gen Prayut assuming an active role in cementing ties between the two countries is in striking contrast to when he was army chief during border clashes between Thai troops and Cambodian soldiers in 2010.
Gen Prayut yesterday thanked the Cambodian government for its warm welcome, saying he believed the bilateral talks will lead to a further improvement in ties between the two countries.
"I would like to thank the Cambodian government for its understanding and support of the Thai government during its recent political situation," Gen Prayut said.
"The relations between Thailand and Cambodia are developing in a positive manner and direction and the two countries also have common benefits and a shared future. We agree that close cooperation will be a force propelling the prosperity of the two countries," the general added.
Gen Prayut said Thailand wanted to seek closer economic cooperation with Cambodia, particularly the expansion of Thai investment in special economic zones and border areas.
"Thailand is promoting ties between people of the two countries and proposing cultural exchanges so the two sides can overcome prejudices and biases and understand each other better, which will lay a firm foundation for future relations," Gen Prayut said.
The government has approved the establishment of special economic areas in Sa Kaeo and Trat bordering Cambodia, and a Thai-Cambodia working group will be set up under the Joint Committee on Border Area Development and Connectivity between Thailand and Cambodia to speed up coordination.
Regarding infrastructure development projects and transport links to support connectivity between the two countries and other Asean members, the meeting also discussed a project to improve Road No.48 linking Koh Kong-Sre Ambel in Cambodia.
Gen Prayut said the government has arranged for a feasibility study to be conducted on the project and it is ready to provide financial support.
The prime minister yesterday also oversaw the signing of three memorandums of understanding by Thai and Cambodian authorities − one on tackling the trafficking of children and women and helping victims of human trafficking, one on railway connections and an MoU on tourism cooperation.
Gen Prayut has also invited Hun Sen to attend the 5th Greater Mekong Sub-region summit, which Thailand will host on Dec 19-20. The Cambodian prime minister has accepted the invitation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn said yesterday Thailand and Cambodia will put aside unresolved border issues and conflicts.
He added that while the government is considering appointing a new team of Thai delegates to the Thailand-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission, senior officials from both sides have regularly met to discuss border demarcation work.
A source said Gen Tanasak has chosen new teams of Thai delegates to negotiate border demarcation and management with Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Malaysia and is expected to submit the names for cabinet approval next week.
Meanwhile, Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said yesterday that reopening an entrance to the 11th century Preah Vihear Temple from the Thai side was "unnecessary" since the country has enough infrastructure to serve tourists to the world heritage temple, according to Xinhua News Agency.
"In my opinion, a lot of tourists have visited the temple from Cambodia because of good roads and luxurious hotels in the surrounding area of the temple," he said after a meeting between Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong and his visiting Thai counterpart Gen Tanasak.