Cambodia and Thailand are scheduled to convene in Singapore from September 14 to 16 for the inaugural meeting of a United Nations-led conciliation process. This international proceeding aims to address a persistent maritime boundary disagreement between the two nations, specifically concerning overlapping claims in the Gulf of Thailand that are estimated to contain significant oil and natural gas reserves.

The Cambodian Foreign Affairs Ministry described the upcoming talks as an “important milestone in the peaceful process” initiated by Phnom Penh. The Cambodian delegation will be headed by Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and border affairs official Lam Chea. In response, the Thai Foreign Ministry confirmed its participation, stating that its delegation, led by Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, is committed to protecting national interests while adhering to international law.

Advertisement

The diplomatic move follows Cambodia’s decision in June to trigger the conciliation mechanism under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This action was prompted by Thailand’s withdrawal from a 2001 framework agreement intended to govern joint hydrocarbon exploration and boundary negotiations. The process involves a panel of independent experts tasked with reviewing the claims and providing recommendations. While the findings will not be legally binding, the commission is expected to deliver a formal report within approximately one year.

This marks only the second time the UNCLOS conciliation process has been utilized, with the first instance occurring in 2016 between Timor-Leste and Australia. Analysts suggest that while the proceedings may help alleviate domestic political tensions, the non-binding nature of the commission’s recommendations presents inherent limitations to a definitive resolution.

Source: CamboJA News