Cambodian National Assembly President Heng Samrin met with his visiting Thai counterpart Chai Chidchob on July 23 on relations between two countries, including their disputes over the Preah Vihear temple.

The host requested NA President Chai Chichob to reduce the number of Thai troops along the border near Preah Vihear temple to defuse the current tension around the disputed area.

The meeting between the two heads of both countries’ legislative bodies took place as the Thai lawmaker made his first two-day official visit.

Heng Samrin expressed his wish that the military tension along the border would be soon returned to normal like the status of before July 15 last year when fires between the two armies broke out.

The Thai NA President said he took the suggestions and invited Cambodian NA President Heng Samrin to join upcoming ASEAN Interparliamentary Alliance (AIPA) meeting to be held in Thailand .

President Chai Chidchob on the same day met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

In a press release after the meeting, both sides said the two governments agree to prevent armed conflict and try to resolve the problem through negotiations.

The Thai president is expected to meet King Norodom Sihamoni and Senate President Chea Sim before returning to Bangkok on July 24.