The closed-door meetings, held at the Permanent Court of Arbitration and scheduled to run through Oct. 18, focus on technical and legal issues. Both sides are presenting evidence and explaining the principles underpinning their respective maritime boundary claims, Anadolu Agency reported.
Cambodia is seeking a comprehensive maritime boundary agreement with Thailand under international law while remaining open to joint development and equitable resource sharing, Cambodian media reported.
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Phnom Penh has proposed concluding a treaty with Bangkok, with assistance from the Conciliation Commission, to establish a single, comprehensive maritime boundary between the two countries.
If the sides fail to reach agreement on maritime delimitation or joint development, Cambodia has proposed that the commission issue a report with recommendations to guide future negotiations in line with UNCLOS obligations.
Thailand’s delegation is led by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt, while Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn heads his country’s delegation. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow is expected to join the talks on Oct. 17.
The first round of discussions took place in Singapore from Sept. 14 to 16. The parties agreed on the commission’s terms of appointment and procedural rules, presented their respective positions and held separate discussions with the commission, but announced no settlement on the maritime boundary.
