Bilateral meeting: Thai talks to cover more than temple

[geovalin]

Vong Sokheng

Representative from the Cambodian and Thai militaries met in Bangkok yesterday at the start of a two-day visit intended to strengthen bilateral ties.

The Cambodian delegation, headed by Minister of Defence Tea Banh, was greeted by General Surasak Karnchanarat, permanent secretary of Thailand’s Defence Ministry.

Banh said he will meet with junta leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha during the trip.

“The most important thing is to exchange military experiences and renew cooperation to ensure peace,” he said, adding that the delegation would discuss the International Court of Justice’s ruling over Preah Vihear Temple, but that it would not be the main focus.

In November, the court unanimously ruled in favour of Cambodian sovereignty over the temple promontory but did not establish ownership of a small disputed area.

A representative of the Thai Foreign Ministry said temple talks could resume once stability was established following the coup.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/bilateral-meeting-thai-talks-cover-more-temple