Prime Hun Manet (left) and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met for talks at in Hanoi on December 12. STPM
Jean Francois Tan, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has announced the continued commitment of the Cambodian and Vietnamese governments to resolving the demarcation of the remaining 16 per cent of border posts, especially the contentious six per cent.
The final demarcations are expected to be completed soon, Tan said as he addressed a press conference on the night of December 12, shortly after returning from a two-day visit to Vietnam with Prime Minister Hun Manet.
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Tan made it clear that both the Cambodian and Vietnamese sides want the issue to be resolved as soon as possible, as it could become a challenge to their respective economic development sites.
He noted, however, that neither side was precisely sure when the final demarcation would occur, saying both Cambodia and Vietnam have decided to resolve the controversial six per cent of posts, and then assess the remaining 10 per cent.
“Prime Minister Hun Manet and his Vietnamese counterpart are committed to accelerating the completion of the demarcation of border posts soon, because this task has already been prolonged for a long time,” he said.
Tan explained that the leaders of the two countries understand the need for stability and peace in the border areas, in order to support modernised economic development.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, and a researcher of the border issues, noted that there remain several points of contention about the border affairs of Cambodia and Vietnam that have not been agreed upon.
He explained that due to various historical, societal and legal aspects, both sides would need to work closely together to reach an agreement. Nobody should rush to complete this work, as it needs to be based on mutual benefits.
“It is important for both sides to finalise delineating the border posts. This will make it easier to develop the area in question, improve communications and safeguard peace. It will make it easier – legally and politically – for the people living there to farm and conduct business,” he said.
