Cambodia and Thailand reached an 18-point agreement to strengthen the cooperation of the border provinces of the two countries and to encourage peace, friendship, cooperation and sustainable development along the border.

The agreement was made during the 7th summit between the Cambodia-Thailand border provinces held virtually on September 16 and co-hosted by Minister of Interior Sar Kheng and his Thai counterpart Anupong Paochinda, according to the Ministry of Interior.

On the subject of border crossings, both sides agreed to educate their people and their authorities along the border to effectively and fully enforce the existing border crossing agreements.

As the pandemic continues, both agreed to make border crossing procedures consistent, with proper attention to health measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, as doing so would facilitate cross-border travel and allow the reopening of the crossings that currently remain closed.

Regarding trade and investment, both sides reiterated the importance of facilitating trade and economic activities via the Banteay Meanchey-Sa Kaeo crossing and the Koh Kong-Trat crossing.

On agriculture, both sides urged provinces along the borders of both countries to facilitate the transport of agricultural products across the border, especially for those farmers living in the border provinces.

Both sides supported the issuing of border passes for daily or seasonal workers to commute across the border for temporary work in either of the two countries.

Also in the agreement are cooperation on health, community development, natural disaster management, prevention of logging, border environmental protections, prevention of transnational crimes, mine clearance and tourism.

Both ministers urged more joint activities to promote the relationship between Cambodia and Thailand and increase cooperation between the two countries.