On 8 February 2011, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty M. Natalegawa to discuss the recent border incident between Thailand and Cambodia. Both spoke to the media after their meeting. Gist as follows:
At the outset, Foreign Minister Kasit expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian Foreign Minister for visiting Thailand following his visit to Cambodia to meet with Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia. He noted that, as the Chair of ASEAN, the Indonesian foreign minister’s visit was to obtain information on recent developments regarding Thailand and Cambodia as well as to discuss how ASEAN could render its support with a view to maintaining peace and prosperity in the region.
Expressing his appreciation for being in Thailand, the Indonesian Foreign Minister stated that being a close friend of both Thailand and Cambodia and belonging to the same ASEAN family, Indonesia had been following very closely and with a great deal of attention recent developments in relations between Thailand and Cambodia. He had had a good meeting in Phnom Penh and also a useful and constructive conversation with the Thai Foreign Minister. Noting that he was at the moment still absorbing what he had learned during the visits, Foreign Minister Natalegawa informed the press of his preliminary conclusions and impressions, as follows:
First, there was an overwhelming desire and commitment on the part of both Thailand and Cambodia to address whatever issues that they have through peaceful means, dialogue and negotiation. This was absolutely necessary for ASEAN, with ways and means for ASEAN member countries to resolve whatever difficulties they have through negotiation and dialogue.
Second, both Cambodia and Thailand were committed to ensuring that the situation stabilize. In this regard, he volunteered the view that ways and means should be found to ensure a more stable and continued ceasefire. He conveyed Indonesia’s readiness to be included in conversations or communications between Thailand and Cambodia on the matter.
Third, bilateral, regional and global approaches could complement each other in resolving the problem. In the final analysis, the border issue between Thailand and Cambodia must and could only be addressed bilaterally. At the same time, there would always be space for ASEAN and members of ASEAN to support the bilateral effort.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th