Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen met with his Thai counterpart Abhisit Vejjajiva on May 8 on the sidelines of the 18th ASEAN summit for talks on their border conflict that has overshadowed the region in Jakarta , Indonesia .

The meeting was mediated by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in his capacity as ASEAN chair 2011.

At the meeting, the Thai and Cambodian government leaders agreed to soon conduct talks on the issue at the level of foreign ministers.

ASEAN General Secretary Surin Pitsuwan said the two leaders’ meeting was a good sign.

The meeting took place after PM Hun Sen said Thailand ’s request on the withdrawal of Cambodian troops from their own territory is “unreasonable and unacceptable” at the plenary session of the 18 th ASEAN summit on May 7.

He stressed the ongoing border conflict between the two countries not only affects regional security and prosperity but also creates serious challenges to ASEAN in its pursuit towards the ASEAN Community in 2015.

Thai Premier Abhisit Vejjajiva said Phnom Penh violated bilateral Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2000, under which no soldier and people should be found at the disputed area. He emphasised Bangkok ’s hope that ASEAN member countries will help boost dialogues to quickly solve the two countries’ skirmish./.