AKP Phnom Penh, March 12, 2026 -- The Royal Government of Cambodia is prioritising the strengthening of diplomatic relations with friendly nations as a key strategy to safeguard its territorial integrity and citizens amid the ongoing border dispute with Thailand, a government spokesperson said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press briefing on the latest developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border, Royal Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Cambodia is actively pursuing a foreign policy aimed at “strengthening old friendships and forging new ones” on the regional and international stage.

He emphasised that this diplomatic effort is guided by the Royal Government’s core principle that the protection of territorial integrity and the safety of the Cambodian people remain the highest priority.

H.E. Bona cited the official visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn to Singapore on Mar. 11 as a key example of Cambodia’s proactive diplomacy.

During the visit, H.E. Prak Sokhonn held bilateral talks with Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendship between Cambodia and Singapore and promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

The two ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern, including the evolving situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border. H.E. Prak Sokhonn briefed his counterpart on the matter, particularly the situation of displaced civilians who have been unable to return to their homes.

The Cambodian Foreign Minister also paid a courtesy call on Singaporean Prime Minister H.E. Lawrence Wong to provide an update on the border developments and Cambodia’s efforts to address the issue through peaceful means.

According to H.E. Bona, these diplomatic engagements follow Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s visits to the United States and Europe in late February, which aimed to strengthen international cooperation while reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He added that H.E. Prak Sokhonn also raised the border situation during the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, stressing that human rights cannot flourish without peace and that development cannot proceed without security.

Concluding the briefing, the spokesperson reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement and all relevant arrangements reached on Dec. 27, 2025, stressing that Cambodia remains determined to resolve the border issue peacefully through the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) mechanism and in strict accordance with international law while rejecting any attempt to alter the international boundary through the use of force.

By K. Rithy Reak