Thailand-Cambodia to increase border cooperations

BANGKOK, 17 January 2015 (NNT) – Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to increase mutual cooperation, upgrade the border crossings, and tackle illegal deforestation in border areas, said a Thai government official. 

The Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Gen. Tanasak Patimapragorn attended the 9th meeting of the Thai-Cambodia Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation at Siem Reap, Cambodia during 15-16 January 2015 at the invitation of Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hor Namhong. 

According to the Thai Deputy Prime Minister, both sides discussed the increase of cooperation in all aspects, especially the security issues which both countries will work together to tackle illegal deforestation and wood trade in the border areas of both countries through the national level committees. 

For this matter, Cambodia has proposed to hold the first joint meeting of the committees on the topic of tackling illegal deforestation. 

Both countries have discussed additional economic cooperation to promote trade, investment, and tourism that will include the agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the utilization of the Thai capital market to support Cambodian economic growth. 

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to turn their border areas into a peaceful border and to develop the special economic zones along the Banteay Meanchey - Sa Kaew and Koh Kong - Trat provinces borders. 

This agreement also includes the upgrade of the four border four checkpoints to international border points, the negotiation on the disputed maritime area in the Gulf of Thailand, and the continuation in social and cultural projects in Cambodia to improve the quality of lives along the border area and reduce the international criminal that occurs in these areas. 

For the regional cooperation for the realization of the ASEAN Community, both countries have agreed to improve regional transport connectivity such as the Aranyaprathet - Poi Pet railroad construction, and the establishment of the new border check point at Ban Nong Ian - Stung Bot that is expected to be completed by 2018. 

Thailand and Cambodia will also hold the celebrations for the 65th anniversary of both countries' the diplomatic relations this year. - See more at: http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNPOL5801170010008#sthash.tYGrWFad.dpuf