China hopes Cambodia and Thailand will restore their relations at an early date, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian said at a press briefing in Beijing on Monday, following the successful China-Cambodia-Thailand foreign ministers' meeting held in Yuxi City, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on the same day.
After a joint statement agreeing to a ceasefire was signed, Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers led delegations of their respective countries to attend the tripartite meet in Yunnan from December 28 to 29 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
When briefing the media on the outcomes of the meeting, Lin said, "Today, the foreign ministers of China, Cambodia, and Thailand held a tripartite meeting in Yunnan. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the discussions among the three parties have been constructive and reached important consensuses. First, all parties should look ahead and move forward together.The ceasefire agreement has not been easily achieved; it must not stand still, be abandoned halfway, nor should it lead to the resumption of hostilities. This is not what the people desire, nor is it what China hopes for. Second, progress should be steady and incremental, avoiding stagnation. Implementing the ceasefire arrangements requires sustained communication and consultation, and the restoration of bilateral relations must also be gradually advanced. As long as both sides stay confident and engage in equal dialogue, they will surely achieve their goals. Third, rebuilding mutual trust is paramount. The conflict has caused a loss of trust, but Cambodia and Thailand are neighbors with a long history of friendly exchanges."
"After the trilateral meeting, a press communique was issued, which made it clear from five aspects that Cambodia and Thailand will further enhance communication, deepen understanding, and gradually consolidate the ceasefire situation, restore mutual exchanges, rebuild political mutual trust, achieve a turnaround in relations, and maintain regional peace," he stressed.
"China will always promote the development of Cambodia-Thailand relations and is ready to provide all necessary assistance, including ceasefire supervision, humanitarian aid, and demining cooperation. We hope and believe that Cambodia-Thailand relations will return to the right track at an early date," he added.
China hopes for resumption of relations between Cambodia, Thailand: FM
