In a significant development, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced plans to elevate relations with Thailand to a strategic partnership level by 2025, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
During a recent meeting, the Thai Foreign Minister informed Samdech Thipadei, a senior government official, of Thailand’s commitment to reinforcing and broadening the cooperation between the two countries. The Thai minister emphasized his intention to work in close collaboration with Cambodia’s Royal Government to enhance the prosperity and well-being of both nations’ citizens.
Samdech Thipadei reciprocated this sentiment, highlighting the sturdy cooperation and enduring ties that both countries currently enjoy. He referenced the significant improvements and expansions in various cooperative fields that have been achieved due to their strong bilateral relationship.
One of the tangible examples of this growing partnership is Thailand’s recent decision to offer visa waivers to Cambodian workers crossing the border during their traditional New Year celebrations. This gesture supports labor mobility and cultural exchange, enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of the two nations.
Additionally, both nations expressed contentment over the establishment of Consulates General in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Songkhla, Thailand. These new diplomatic posts are expected to facilitate increased people-to-people exchanges and direct interactions among citizens, thereby fostering deeper mutual understanding and cooperation.
The meeting also served as a platform for discussing ways to deepen and extend collaborative efforts across various sectors. Among the topics addressed were economic growth, trade enhancements, tourism development, security cooperation, energy collaboration, and joint demining initiatives. Such comprehensive engagement demonstrates a shared commitment to resolving issues that affect both countries and contributes towards regional stability and prosperity.
The transition to a strategic partnership in 2025 symbolizes a new chapter in the relations between Cambodia and Thailand, reflecting their shared goals and challenges. This partnership aims to create a more structured and robust framework for collaboration, ensuring that both nations can handle emerging regional and global challenges collectively. The upgraded ties are not only expected to benefit Cambodia and Thailand but also to contribute positively to the broader Southeast Asian region, aligning with the goals and spirit of ASEAN unity.
Source: Fresh News
