PM Abhisit stresses stronger ties with Cambodiadispute resolution tool

PHNOM PENH, June 13 (TNA) – Thailand will improve its strained relations with neighbouring Cambodia, troubled by an ongoing border problem, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva affirmed Saturday .
 
Mr. Abhisit left Phnom Penh and returned home Saturday morning after being delayed by aircraft problems.
 
On Friday the prime minister told about 100 persons from the Thai community, meeting at the embassy, that his government had tried to resolve long-standing border issues which resulted in armed clashes.
 
Originally, Mr. Abhisit was to leave the Cambodian capital Friday night but his plane had technical difficulties, and another plane was sent to bring the Thai delegation to Bangkok early Saturday.
 
Mr. Abhisit told his Thai audience that he and his Cambodian counterpart Prime Minister Hun Sen had agreed that despite having several cooperation agreements between the two countries, their actual implementation had been obstructed by clashes at the border.
 
“Armed clashes must be avoided,” Mr. Abhisit asserted. “No one would benefit from such conflict.”
 
Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya said the ministry would coordinate a Thai television station in producing television dramas with Thai and Cambodian actors and actresses together.
 
The TV dramas could “strengthen bilateral relations and create a better understanding between peoples of the two countries,” said Mr. Kasit.
 
During the visit Mr. Abhisit said he had called on Senate President Chea Sim and National Assembly President Heng Samrin and all agreed that visits to each other’s country by members of parliament must be made frequently to strengthen relations between lawmakers.
 
Invited by Mr. Hun Sen, it was Mr. Abhisit’s first official visit to Cambodia since becoming prime minister in December. (TNA)