Phnom penh: The following is the full Opening Statement of H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in his capacity as Cambodia's Agent, delivered this morning at the first meeting of the Conciliation Commission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) between Cambodia and Thailand in Singapore.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Prak Sokhonn addressed the commission, highlighting the significance of the meeting for resolving maritime disputes between Cambodia and Thailand. This meeting marks a critical step under the UNCLOS framework, which is designed to facilitate peaceful and cooperative resolution of disagreements related to maritime boundaries and resource entitlements.

The UNCLOS Conciliation Commission's proceedings are viewed as a pivotal opportunity for both nations to engage in dialogue and negotiate terms that could lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. The emphasis of the discussions is on fostering understanding and cooperation to ensure maritime security and equitable resource distribution.

Cambodia's engagement in the conciliation process underscores its commitment to upholding international maritime law and contributing to regional stability. The outcomes of this meeting are anticipated to set a precedent for future diplomatic engagements concerning maritime issues in the Southeast Asian region.