Phnom Penh (VNA) – The inaugural special session of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) wrapped up on September 10 in Koh Kong province, with constructive outcomes, setting out concrete measures to ensure the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP) reported.
In a press statement released after the meeting, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Tea Seiha said both sides agreed on the urgent need to de-escalate tensions through the removal of heavy and destructive weapons back to their respective normal military installations. To achieved the abovementioned objectives, both teams will meet within three weeks to develop a detailed, practical, and step-by-step action plan. This plan will be implemented under the observation and verification of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). Both sides also agreed in principle on the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the establishment of the AOT awaiting the approval from both countries’ governments.
Pending the establishment of the AOT, both sides recognised the important role of the Interim Observer Team (IOT) and agreed to continue using the IOT mechanism to ensure the effective implementation of the ceasefire.
They also underlined the importance of regular communication between military regions (Cambodia), army areas (Thailand), and border units, with a firm commitment to resolve issues peacefully and prevent clashes. Both sides stressed that strengthening communication at all levels is essential to build mutual trust and promote good neighbourliness.
Both sides agreed that refraining from spreading false information, fake news, accusations, and harmful rhetoric is vital to ease tensions, reduce negative public sentiment, and foster an environment conducive to peaceful dialogue.
On humanitarian demining, both sides agreed to establish within one week a Joint Coordinating Task Force, led by the GBC Secretariats and with the participation of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC), to determine and agree on priority areas and to coordinate the planning and implementation of demining activities.
On border management, both sides recognised the Joint Boundary Commission as the key mechanism to address joint survey and demarcation issues, and agreed to solve any incidents along the border for better livelihood of the people from both countries.
The Second Special General Border Committee Meeting will be held within 30 days, with Thailand as the host./.
