Cambodian, Thai officials conclude 'open and positive' talks over border issues

Cambodian and Thai officials on Sunday concluded their "open and positive" negotiations over border issues, said press releases from both countries.

The two-day Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) was convened in Phnom Penh and co-chaired by Lam Chea, Cambodian minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs and chairman of Cambodia's JBC, and Thai Foreign Ministry advisor Prasas Prasasvinitchai, who is chairman of Thailand's JBC.

"The Cambodia-Thailand JBC meeting was held in a friendly and understanding atmosphere in the spirit of open and positive discussions," the press release said.

Both sides discussed and agreed to dispatch a joint survey team to examine and demarcate the border lines at the actual locations of the agreed-upon border markers, according to the press release.

Meanwhile, the Thai Foreign Ministry said in a brief statement on Sunday that both Thai and Cambodian delegates "reiterated the importance and efficiency of the Joint Boundary Commission," adding that "the meeting is regarded as another important milestone to illustrate progress of Thailand-Cambodia demarcation and reduce border tension."

Thailand will host the next Special JBC in September, the Thai Foreign Ministry said.

However, the meeting did not address the four disputed border areas between Cambodia and Thailand, as Cambodia submitted an official letter to the UN's International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Sunday, seeking a resolution from the court.

According to the press release, Lam Chea urged Thailand to join Cambodia in submitting the case concerning the four disputed areas to the ICJ.

He said if Thailand refused, Cambodia would still unilaterally proceed with the case to the ICJ.

In response to Cambodia's submission, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura reiterated at a press briefing on Saturday that "Thailand has never recognized the compulsory jurisdiction of the ICJ. This has been stated many times, both by the prime minister and the minister of foreign affairs."

"Therefore, I stress Thailand's wish to resolve the issue through existing bilateral mechanisms and diplomatic discussion, which are proven to be the most effective and appropriate mechanisms going forward." Nikorndej said.

Sunday's meeting was convened after soldiers of both countries briefly exchanged gunfire at a border area on May 28, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier.