Abhisit, Hun Sen meet in New York, seek closer bilateral ties

By AGENCIES
New York



The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia met here briefly yesterday and agreed to improve bilateral relations for mutual benefit.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen met for half an hour at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and the meeting between Asean leaders and US President Barack Obama. The two leaders agreed that warm relations between the two neighbouring countries were vital for the benefit of their peoples.

Although conflicts remain, bilateral trade has increased, Abhisit told Thai News Agency.

Abhisit quoted Hun Sen as telling him that a warm welcome was seen at a recent Thai trade fair in Cambodia and that both countries should refrain from confrontations or violence.

Frequent visits at the ministerial level and more joint activities should be organised, Hun Sen was quoted as saying.

The two countries have been involved in a diplomatic stand-off resulting from a border conflict regarding disputed land adjacent to the ancient Preah Vihear Temple.

Abhisit said the temple row was not raised during his meeting with Hun Sen as the |issue is now being dealt with by concerned agencies. The two premiers could discuss details at several other upcoming international forums.

"The atmosphere for resolving the problem should improve," Abhisit said.

By AGENCIES New York The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia met here briefly yesterday and agreed to improve bilateral relations for mutual benefit. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen met for half an hour at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and the meeting between Asean leaders and US President Barack Obama. The two leaders agreed that warm relations between the two neighbouring countries were vital for the benefit of their peoples. Although conflicts remain, bilateral trade has increased, Abhisit told Thai News Agency. Abhisit quoted Hun Sen as telling him that a warm welcome was seen at a recent Thai trade fair in Cambodia and that both countries should refrain from confrontations or violence. Frequent visits at the ministerial level and more joint activities should be organised, Hun Sen was quoted as saying. The two countries have been involved in a diplomatic stand-off resulting from a border conflict regarding disputed land adjacent to the ancient Preah Vihear Temple. Abhisit said the temple row was not raised during his meeting with Hun Sen as the |issue is now being dealt with by concerned agencies. The two premiers could discuss details at several other upcoming international forums. "The atmosphere for resolving the problem should improve," Abhisit said.