Cambodia Defends MOU-2000 as Basis for Border Talks

Cambodia Defends MOU-2000 as Basis for Border Talks

PHNOM PENH, March 30, 2026 — Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed the country’s firm commitment to peaceful border resolution with Thailand, stressing that existing legal frameworks and bilateral mechanisms remain the only legitimate path forward.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation rejected attempts to undermine established agreements, particularly the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU-2000 or MOU-43), which serves as the legal basis for border demarcation between the two countries.

The ministry emphasised that the MOU-2000 is a binding international agreement registered with the United Nations and cannot be unilaterally revoked or altered based on domestic political considerations.

Cambodia reiterated that the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) remains the sole technical mechanism mandated to resolve border issues through peaceful means, based on international law and historical treaties, including the Franco-Siamese conventions.

Officials warned that any attempt to disregard these frameworks risks undermining past progress, disrupting ongoing demarcation work, and threatening long-term peace and stability along the border.

Phnom Penh reaffirmed its readiness to continue dialogue and cooperation with Thailand through existing bilateral mechanisms, while calling for respect for sovereignty, international law and agreed commitments.

The statement underscores Cambodia’s consistent position that border issues must be resolved peacefully, transparently and in accordance with internationally recognised legal instruments.