14-12-2023 (PHNOM PENH) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has achieved a significant breakthrough in strengthening ties with Vietnamese leaders, resulting in a commitment to expedite the completion of border demarcation between the two nations. Cambodia and Vietnam have agreed to finalize the demarcation of an additional 6% of their shared 1,270-kilometer border, with a pledge to complete the remaining 10% in the near future.
The process of border demarcation between Cambodia and Vietnam began in 2006, and the two countries have thus far ratified 84% of the completed work. During his official two-day visit to Hanoi, Prime Minister Hun Manet held meetings with top Vietnamese leaders, where discussions encompassed various areas of cooperation, including education, trade, investment, connectivity, tourism, culture, security, defense, and border affairs.
Jean-François Tain, the Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, accompanied Prime Minister Hun Manet and described the visit as fruitful. Minister Tain highlighted the urgency of completing the border demarcation and announced that both sides agreed to finalize an additional 6% of the remaining work before proceeding with the final 10%.
The outstanding 10% of the border demarcation work is concentrated in provinces such as Kandal, Tboung Khmum, Mondulkiri, and Ratanakiri. The initial target for completing the demarcation was 2008, as stipulated in the 2005 Supplementary Treaty signed by both nations. However, due to disagreements over certain border areas, the process faced delays, extending its timeline until the present day.
Minister Tain acknowledged the complexities of border negotiations and refrained from setting a specific timeline for the completion of the demarcation. He emphasized the shared desire of Cambodia and Vietnam to expedite the process, aiming for stability, peace, and economic development along their shared border. Both countries have exchanged border topographic maps and made substantial progress in demarcation, having completed approximately 1,045 kilometers and erected 2,048 border markers at 1,553 locations on the ground.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam hailed Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit as a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between Vietnam and Cambodia. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to prioritize good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability. They also pledged to enhance collaboration in border management, combat cross-border crimes, and address non-traditional security challenges.
Kin Phea, Director-General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia’s International Relation Institute of Cambodia (IRIC), emphasized that Prime Minister Hun Manet maintains the current policy of fostering close cooperation with Vietnam, rooted in traditional friendship, mutual trust, and mutually beneficial collaboration. This policy aims to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.
