Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his delegation met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Wednesday, one day ahead of the 8th Thai-Cambodian Border Provincial Governors’ Meeting.
At the meeting, Anutin, who is also deputy prime minister, conveyed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s good wishes to Hun Manet and his Cabinet, adding that the Thai PM has expressed plans to visit the neighbouring country soon.
He also said that Thailand was committed to advancing cooperation in all areas, confident that the strong diplomatic, military and cross-border economic ties will ensure successful collaboration.
“Cambodia and Thailand share similar cultures. We will use this opportunity to expand cultural cooperation, turning this common ground into a powerful soft power that benefits both countries’ economies and tourism, creating jobs and livelihoods for the people,” Anutin said.
Hun Manet responded by thanking Anutin for the visit and expressed willingness to support discussions, particularly on legal enforcement and cooperation with Thai authorities in combating crime and other illegal activities
He also said that he looked forward to the Thai PM’s official visit to Cambodia, adding that he and Paetongtarn had previously held bilateral talks during the ASEAN Summit in the Laos capital.
He also highlighted the potential of cross-border trade, particularly the Nong Ian-Sung Bot border checkpoint development, which would benefit people on both sides.
Anutin and Hun Manet expressed their governments’ readiness to continue strengthening bilateral ties through various activities, especially as Thailand and Cambodia approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.