Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Sunday called for the resumption of joint border surveying and demarcation with Thailand, urging respect for international law following deadly clashes that displaced thousands of people along the two countries’ shared frontier.
Speaking at the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and representatives from around 20 countries, Manet said Cambodia’s border with Thailand had been delimited more than a century ago and should be respected in accordance with international law.
The two Southeast Asian neighbours experienced two rounds of deadly border clashes last year before agreeing to a ceasefire that took effect on December 27.
Manet said the fighting had claimed lives and forced families to abandon their homes, with thousands of Cambodians still unable to return.
“About 20,000 Cambodians are still unable to return home. Their return, in safety and dignity, remains our priority,” he told the summit.
The Cambodian leader thanked the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other international partners for supporting the ceasefire, encouraging dialogue and promoting respect for international law.
He emphasised that territorial disputes should be resolved through peaceful negotiations rather than military action or unilateral changes to established boundaries.
“No border shall be changed by force or faits accomplis. Respect for international law safeguards the security of all States, large and small,” Manet declared.
The prime minister also proposed establishing a conflict prevention and mediation mechanism within the Francophonie community to help member countries address disputes before they escalate into violence.
“I propose a Francophone prevention and mediation network. At the request of states, it could support dialogue before violence flares up,” he said.
The two-day summit, presided over by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, brought together political leaders and representatives to discuss international cooperation, regional stability and other issues of shared concern.
The Francophonie grouping promotes cooperation among French-speaking countries, particularly in education, cultural exchange and economic partnerships.
Participants are also scheduled to visit Siem Reap province for a cultural tour highlighting Cambodia’s historical heritage.
Macron’s attendance marks the first visit by a French president to Cambodia since François Mitterrand travelled to the country in 1993.
The French president is accompanied by his wife, Brigitte Macron, during the visit, which also includes engagements celebrating longstanding cultural ties between France and Cambodia.
King Sihamoni and Macron are expected to jointly inaugurate the restored West Mebon temple at Angkor, following 14 years of Franco-Cambodian restoration work.
The restoration project reflects the two countries’ cooperation in preserving Cambodia’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Manet’s appeal for renewed border negotiations placed the Cambodia-Thailand dispute among the prominent issues raised at the summit, alongside broader discussions on international cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution.