Phnom penh: Cambodia has reaffirmed its confidence in the conciliation process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to peacefully resolve its maritime differences with Thailand, while confirming that additional time has been agreed for the appointment of the Chairperson of the Conciliation Commission.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, in a statement issued on Sunday in response to media inquiries, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the four independent Conciliators have proposed spending additional time to carefully consider who should be appointed Chairperson of the Conciliation Commission. Cambodia and Thailand have both agreed to this course.

The spokesperson noted that the additional time requested by the Conciliators to consider the Chairperson's appointment is modest and entirely appropriate given the significance of the appointment and the proceedings as a whole. It will have no effect on any prescribed timeline or procedural step under the UNCLOS.

The Ministry highlighted that the decision reflects the rigorous and careful process being undertaken by the Conciliators and expressed appreciation for their diligence.

Cambodia also reiterated its continued confidence in the UNCLOS conciliation process and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the peaceful resolution of its maritime differences with Thailand on the basis of international law.