The National Assembly (NA) on March 30 approved the Cambodia-Laos Border Demarcation Treaty with a unanimous vote of the 105 members present.
Senior NA member Hun Many said at the plenary session that the treaty will serve as a “basic document” to further strengthen the remaining demarcation mechanisms between the two countries.
He added that the approval of the treaty would enable both sides to promote good relations, and would increase the potential for development in all sectors, for the sake of their respective peoples.
“The Cambodian government is strongly committed to the clear demarcation of the Kingdom’s borders with neighbouring countries. It will do this on the basis of respect for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The government has ensured that all border areas are now experiencing into peace, stability, friendship, cooperation and development in all sectors,” he said.
Following the vote, Border Affairs Committee chairman Var Kim Hong thanked the NA for adding the treaty to its agenda, saying its passage is a new success for the government.
“The government has striven to overcome all obstacles and bring peace, stability, friendship, cooperation and development to the border regions. Peace and stability is of the utmost importance to the Kingdom’s leaders, and desired by all Cambodians who appreciate the lasting peace which we all enjoy today,” he added.
Both sides welcomed the progress made by the Joint Boundary Commission of Cambodia and Laos. The commission has demarcated approximately 86 per cent of the common land boundary, with a total of 121 border posts in Preah Vihear, Stung Treng and Ratanakkiri provinces.
The Cambodian-Lao Border Demarcation Treaty was signed by the leaders of both countries during Prime Minister Hun Sen’s February trip to Laos. It will be used as the basis for the resumption of negotiations on the remaining 14 per cent of the border area.
King Norodom Sihamoni sent a message expressing his appreciation for the NA and the government for performing their roles so well.
“This solemn success has brought the nation’s prestige on the international stage, and strengthens and develops areas of diplomacy and cooperation with friendly countries,” he wrote.
“It has been nearly 30 years since the 1993 general election. Cambodia maintained, strengthened and honoured its position as a Constitutional Monarchy, while adopting a policy of liberal democracy and pluralism and developing the nation in all sectors,” he added.
