Cambodia Emphasizes Peaceful Resolution in Defending National Interests Under UNCLOS Procedure

The first three-day meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand reconciliation process under Article 298 and Annex V of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), held from September 14 to 16, 2026, concluded in Singapore on September 16, 2026. Minister of Information, Net Pheaktra, stated, "As Cambodian citizens, we are proud of the Cambodian delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, as Cambodia's representative, for participating in this process to demonstrate Cambodia's stance through law, diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful means. Participation in the reconciliation mechanism is not to increase tensions but to utilize the dispute resolution mechanism as stipulated in UNCLOS." According to the Minister, what is noteworthy is not just participation in the meeting, but that Cambodia has chosen law over confrontation and diplomacy over increasing tensions. This aligns with Cambodia's consistent stance in seeking peaceful and international law-compliant solutions to disputes with neighboring countries. He added that after this first meeting, the good faith of the parties involved should be measured by concrete actions: participation in the process constructively, implementation of agreements, and measurable progress towards a solution. Concurrently, the Minister stated, "The first meeting has concluded, but the reconciliation process has just begun. What is important next is to continue to maintain a firm stance, be patient, and use international law and diplomacy to move towards a peaceful and long-lasting solution for both neighboring countries." Source: AKP Khmer