(Bangkok, 26th) Thailand has unilaterally withdrawn from the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by both sides in 2001 regarding issues in their overlapping maritime zones, to which Cambodia has expressed deep regret.
On Friday (April 24), Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement saying that the signing of the MOU was not merely a technical arrangement; it embodied the sincere intentions and shared interests of the two countries, namely, to seek—with goodwill—the joint development of resources in the overlapping maritime area and, at the same time, to advance the delimitation of maritime boundaries in accordance with international law. "Thailand's unilateral withdrawal from the 2001 MOU would be a departure from the spirit of cooperation upheld by the signed document."
According to Xinhua, the statement said Cambodia has always unwaveringly adhered to the provisions and spirit of the 2001 MOU, as well as to the goodwill and sincerity that facilitated its signing.
On the 23rd, Thai Prime Minister Anutin said the government would abolish a memorandum of understanding regarding overlapping maritime zones, which was signed with Cambodia during the administration of former Prime Minister Thaksin. Anutin said that this move does not require notification to Cambodia and that the cabinet would review the relevant decision as soon as possible.
Royal Thai Navy Chief of Staff Thadawut Thabidakorn said the reason for abolishing the MOU was that it had been in use for many years without progress. As Cambodia has now joined the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Thailand and Cambodia can negotiate within the framework of the convention.
On the 23rd, Thai Prime Minister Anutin said the government would abolish a memorandum of understanding regarding overlapping maritime zones, which was signed with Cambodia during the administration of former Prime Minister Thaksin. Anutin said that this move does not require notification to Cambodia and that the cabinet would review the relevant decision as soon as possible.
Royal Thai Navy Chief of Staff Thadawut Thabidakorn said the reason for abolishing the MOU was that it had been in use for many years without progress. As Cambodia has now joined the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Thailand and Cambodia can negotiate within the framework of the convention.