Cambodian, Thai leaders outline vision for bilateral relations

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA October 30 (TNA) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his visiting Thai counterpart General Prayut Chan-ocha have envisaged future relations between Cambodia and Thailand, mainly through economic cooperation plans, covering the development of special economic zones and border areas. During a plenary session in Phnom Penh on Thursday afternoon, led by the Cambodian and Thai leaders, General Prayut, who is paying a two-day official visit to Cambodia from October 30-31, stressed that Thailand wants to see closer economic cooperation with Cambodia, particularly through the development and expansion of investment in special economic zones and border areas, which will also promote more cross-border visits of people from the two nations and support regional connectivity, while also enhancing cultural exchanges and sound understanding. The Cambodian and Thai leaders also agreed to boaster bilateral relations through the annual leaders’ retreat and the existing mechanism of the Joint Committee on Border Area Development and Connectivity between Thailand and Cambodia (JCBD). Besides, Thailand is ready to host the second JCBD meeting in December 2014, during which Cambodian and Thai ministers concerned will discuss obstacles and solutions on the planned joint development of border areas. Regarding economic issues, Phnom Penh was informed that the Thai government has a policy to establish special economic zones in Sa Kaeo and Trat Provinces, bordering Cambodia and a joint working group is proposed to be formed under the JCBD mechanism to accelerate the plan. The Thai prime minister's proposed initiatives on the establishment of centres to buy farm products from the neighbouring countries at border areas and the special economic zones were also raised, with the implementation of the plan to be later discussed at the operational level. (TNA)