Cambodia Reiterates Desire for Peaceful Border Resolution with Thailand to ICRC

Prime Minister Hun Manet has reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to resolving its border issues with Thailand through peaceful means, during a meeting with a visiting regional delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). During a July 2 meeting, Hun Manet provided updates on the current situation to delegation leader Jürg Montani, while also highlighting his hopes for an outcome which is based on international law and in accordance with the existing conventions, treaties and bilateral agreements between the two countries. Manet praised the ICRC’s longstanding contribution to Cambodia’s socio-economic development and thanked the organisation for its assistance to Cambodian displaced persons during the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict. He also expressed appreciation for the ICRC’s active role in facilitating the release of 18 soldiers that Cambodia says were unlawfully detained by the Thai military. Montani briefed the prime minister on the close cooperation between the ICRC and the Cambodian Red Cross, as well as the organisation’s collaboration with the Cambodian government in supporting emergency response efforts and promoting International Humanitarian Law (IHL). He also expressed satisfaction that the ICRC had played an important role in facilitating humanitarian efforts during the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, noting that during his current visit, he had visited project sites in Battambang province, including rehabilitation programmes supporting people with physical disabilities and healthcare initiatives in prisons. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing, strengthened cooperation. Manet also praised the productive partnership between Cambodia and the ICRC, thanking the organisation for supporting numerous humanitarian and development projects throughout the country. The prime minister said the Royal Government places high priority on protecting the welfare of all citizens through the implementation of the 2024–2035 National Social Protection Policy Framework, including a cash assistance programme for pregnant women and new mothers in prison. He encouraged the ICRC to deepen cooperation with relevant Cambodian ministries and institutions in order to further strengthen the partnership between Cambodia and the organisation. Manet also reaffirmed the Cambodian government’s commitment to upholding international law, including humanitarian law.