AKP Phnom Penh, May 27, 2026 --

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn has reaffirmed Cambodia’s strong commitment to the United Nations Charter while calling for full respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the continued illegal occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai forces.

Speaking at the High-Level Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council on May 26, H.E. Prak Sokhonn stressed that the principles enshrined in the UN Charter – including sovereign equality, territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes, and non-use of force — must remain the foundation of the international order.

“The UN Charter must remain the cornerstone of international order and the indispensable framework for peaceful coexistence, cooperation, and conflict prevention,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister warned that these principles are increasingly under strain due to armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and declining trust among nations.

Drawing from Cambodia’s own historical experience, H.E. Prak Sokhonn emphasised that disputes must be resolved exclusively through dialogue, diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.

He recalled the important role played by the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) in supporting Cambodia’s peace process, national reconciliation, and recovery in the early 1990s.

Regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border situation, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed Cambodia’s appreciation to the international community for supporting the ceasefire and peaceful settlement efforts in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

He stressed that borders and sovereignty “must never be altered by force or through fait accompli.”

While the ceasefire continues to hold, H.E. Prak Sokhonn expressed concern over the situation on the ground in areas “well inside Cambodian territory” that remain under illegal occupation.

He called for the full, effective, and urgent implementation of all agreements reached between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly the Joint Statement of Dec. 27, 2025.

The Deputy Prime Minister underlined that respect for international law, existing treaties and agreements, dialogue, good faith, and mutual respect are essential to restoring trust, securing lasting peace, and enabling displaced populations to return home safely and with dignity.

He also called on the international community to continue supporting peaceful efforts aimed at preserving peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Cambodia has so far responsibly and faithfully adhered to and implemented the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) held on Dec. 27, 2025. However, the Thai side has continued to violate Cambodia’s sovereignty through repeated actions, including laying barbed wire, placing container units, constructing infrastructure, and destroying houses in the illegally-occupied areas.

By C. Nika