Sihasak expects Cambodia to join trilateral talks at ASEAN summit
Sihasak expects Cambodia to join trilateral talks with the Philippines during the ASEAN summit, with trust-building set as the first step before any GBC discussions.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Monday (May 4) that Thailand was awaiting Cambodia’s response to proposed trilateral talks involving Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines from May 7 to 9.
Speaking at the Bhumjaithai Party’s headquarters in Bangkok, Sihasak said the Philippines, as host, was coordinating the arrangement as it wanted the talks to take place. He said Cambodia was expected to accept the proposal.
Thailand had already prepared both the substance and details of the talks, he said, although the meeting would be preliminary and was not expected to involve complex details at this stage.
On possible discussions under the General Border Committee (GBC), Sihasak said that would be the next step. He said the most important priority for now was to first build trust between the two sides.
The meeting in the Philippines would therefore focus on measures to strengthen bilateral relations and place them on a more stable footing, he added.
