PHNOM PENH, October 10, 2024 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, have agreed to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation between their countries. The agreement was reached during their meeting on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits held in Vientiane, Laos.

During the talks, Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her gratitude to Hun Manet for being the first foreign leader to send a congratulatory message following her election as Prime Minister of Thailand. She also highlighted the recent positive developments in relations between Cambodia and Thailand, citing Hun Manet's official visit to Thailand in February as a catalyst for enhanced cooperation.

Hun Manet praised the progress in relations between the two nations, which were elevated to a strategic partnership earlier this year. The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues aimed at furthering bilateral ties, including the resumption of meetings on existing bilateral mechanisms, the possibility of establishing complementary special economic zones, and boosting people-to-people connectivity, tourism, defense, and security.

To foster these efforts, the leaders tasked their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs with facilitating further discussions and organizing activities to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Cambodia-Thailand diplomatic relations, set to be celebrated in 2025.

The talks marked a continuation of efforts to solidify the relationship between Cambodia and Thailand, building on recent progress and setting the stage for a deeper partnership in the years to come.