Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Nam Hong met with senior Thai officials to strengthen bilateral relations.

During his visit from July 10-12, the Cambodian official paid a courtesy call to Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and held talks with his counterpart Tanasak Patimapragorn.

During talks, the two sides agreed to organise a joint ministerial retreat in late 2015 or early 2016, ensure Cambodian guest workers’ health in line with Thai laws and offer vocational training to these labourers.

They shared the view that land and sea border issues do not hamper trade activities or the interests of the two countries, concurring to promote cooperation between their border working groups to benefit the two peoples while not affecting border demarcation.

The officials also consented to step up the establishment of special economic zones to boost commercial relations and improve the livelihoods of residents in border areas.

Cambodia and Thailand will also open the S’Tung Mot and O Neang international border gates to facilitate the flow of goods as well as discuss the opening of four more entry ports.

Data from the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce show that trade between the two countries has been growing in recent years with the total revenue rising from 4 billion USD in 2012 to 5 billion USD in 2014 and is expected to exceed 5 billion USD this year.-VNA