Thailand: Cambodia and Thailand have jointly announced an elevation of their bilateral relationship to a "Strategic Partnership." This historic upgrade from the existing "Strengthening Partnership for Peace and Prosperity" was formalized during a productive meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his Thai counterpart, Srettha Thavisin, on the morning of February 7, 2024.
The move, heralded during Prime Minister Hun Manet's official visit to Thailand, signifies a mutual commitment to deepening ties across a broad spectrum of areas including politics, economy, defense, security, trade, investment, tourism, employment, and energy. The Thai Prime Minister underscored the significance of the visit, emphasizing that it would serve as a catalyst for even stronger bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations.
Both leaders lauded the achievements of their past cooperation and agreed on the necessity to further enhance and expand their collaboration. In doing so, they aim to foster a relationship that benefits not only their respective nations but also the peoples of both countries. This strategic partnership is poised to open new avenues for joint initiatives and mutual support, reflecting a shared vision for regional stability and prosperity.
The discussion also touched upon regional and international matters, with both Prime Ministers expressing pleasure over their countries' mutual support in international arenas. They highlighted the importance of cooperation in combating transnational crime and fraud, and committed to transforming the border between Cambodia and Thailand into a beacon of peace and prosperity.
A significant aspect of the meeting was the signing and exchange of five cooperation documents, marking concrete steps towards realizing the goals of the newly established partnership. These documents encompass agreements on disaster risk reduction and emergency response, education, science and technology, transit goods, and economic collaboration between the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce and the Export-Import Bank of Thailand, as well as between the Cambodian and Thai Chambers of Commerce.
This upgrade to a strategic partnership not only signifies a new chapter in Cambodia-Thailand relations but also sets a precedent for diplomatic relations in the region, heralding a future where cooperation and mutual respect drive progress and prosperity.
