Thailand's PM invites Cambodian counterpart for official visit

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra invited Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to make an official visit to Thailand in order to cement bilateral ties and cooperation, a Cambodian spokesman said Tuesday. The invitation was extended to Hun Sen by visiting Thai deputy prime minister and foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, said Eang Sophallet, personal spokesman for Prime Minister Hun Sen. "Surapong Tovichakchaikul told Prime Minister Hun Sen that Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra invited him for an official visit to Thailand in an appropriate time," he told reporters after the meeting at the Peace Palace. Surapong Tovichakchaikul said the exchange visit of the leaders of the two countries were very important to illustrate good relationship, cooperation, and mutual trust. He added that the Government of Thailand was committed to maintaining good ties with Cambodia for mutual benefits. Meanwhile, Hun Sen said he would arrange a proper time to visit Thailand. Earlier in the day, Surapong Tovichakchaikul and his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong co-chaired the first meeting of the Joint Committee on Border Area Development and Connectivity between the two countries. Both sides agreed to increase cooperation in various sectors including trade, investment, tourism, energy, health, education, and anti-cross border crimes. The Cambodian government of Hun Sen and the Thai government of Yingluck Shinawatra have been working hard to ameliorate the bilateral tie, which was murky during the rule of former Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva due to deadly border clashes. Border dispute between the two neighbors over the 4.6 square kilometers of land next to Cambodia's Preah Vihear Temple remains unsolved. The World Court is expected to issue a decision on who owns the disputed land around the temple later this year.