Cambodia and Thailand Conclude First Day of Second UNCLOS Conciliation Meeting in The Hague
Cambodia and Thailand Conclude First Day of Second UNCLOS Conciliation Meeting in The Hague
THE HAGUE, October 14, 2026 (AKP) — Cambodia and Thailand have concluded the first day of their second meeting under the conciliation commission established pursuant to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as both countries continue efforts to resolve their maritime issues through dialogue and international law.
The meeting concluded on the afternoon of October 14 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, which houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn led Cambodia’s delegation and legal team in his capacity as the country’s agent. Thailand was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who also serves as Thailand’s agent.
The second meeting was chaired by Katrina Cooper, president of the conciliation commission, with the Permanent Court of Arbitration serving as the registry.
Cambodia outlines its objectives for a maritime agreement
During his opening remarks at the first meeting in Singapore, Prak Sokhonn emphasised that Cambodia’s primary objective was to achieve a solution that benefits the people of both countries and contributes to regional peace, cooperation and shared prosperity.
To achieve that goal, Cambodia seeks to conclude a treaty with Thailand, with the commission’s assistance and in accordance with international law, to establish a comprehensive single maritime boundary between the two countries.
As an alternative, Cambodia is prepared to pursue an agreement with Thailand on joint development and the equitable sharing of resources between the two states while negotiations toward a final maritime boundary agreement continue.
Cambodia leaves room for further negotiations
Cambodia has also outlined a course of action should the two countries fail to reach an agreement on either a final maritime boundary or joint development.
In that situation, Cambodia has proposed that the conciliation commission prepare a report containing recommendations for both parties. The report would serve as a basis for further negotiations aimed at reaching agreements on the outstanding issues at a later stage, in accordance with both countries’ obligations under UNCLOS.
The conclusion of the first day of the second meeting marks another step in the conciliation process. However, the Cambodian statement did not announce a final agreement or disclose specific outcomes from the latest discussions.
Both countries’ positions and the commission’s ongoing role remain central to the effort to find a mutually acceptable solution to their maritime issues.
