Talks in Siem Reap lead to demarcation goal with Vietnam

Written by Vong Sokheng

Wednesday, 10 June 2009 Phnom Penh Post

Infrastructure projects, including hydropower, are also encouraged by Vietnam’s ambassador during discussions on greater cooperation THE KINGDOM'S top border negotiator said Tuesday that committees from Cambodia and Vietnam agreed during a meeting in Siem Reap province to plant 200 demarcation poles along the countries' shared border by 2012. "We will strive for border demarcation to be completed in accordance with our master plan, and after that we will have a stable, peaceful border that will ensure the sovereignty of each country," Var Kimhong told the Post. On Monday, Ngo Anh Dung, the Vietnamese ambassador to Cambodia, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Hor Namhong to discuss border-related issues, touching on demarcation, as well as projects that would improve infrastructure and promote economic development along the border, said Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong. "In the past few years, Cambodia and Vietnam have enjoyed smooth cooperation on border issues, and both countries have determined to push to resolve any lingering border issues by 2012," he said. Border projects Koy Kuong said improving transport links across the border would improve living conditions on both sides. He added that Hor Namhong told Ngo Anh Dung that Cambodian officials would like to see Vietnam promote bridge construction, in particular a bridge that would link Vietnam to Kandal province's Chrey Thom district. Officials from the two countries are scheduled to meet in Preah Sihanouk province in November to discuss any unresolved border issues, Koy Kuong said, adding that officials hoped the meeting would lead to improved cooperation on development projects. Koy Kuong said Ngo Anh Dung encouraged Cambodia to develop hydropower projects on the Sesan and Srepok rivers that would provide electricity for local use and for sale to Vietnam.