In Focus
On 25 March 2004, Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and Mr. Sok An, Senior Minister, Ministry in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers of Cambodia, jointly gave a press briefing on the outcomes of the Meeting on Thailand-Cambodia Joint Development of Preah Vihear Temple at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During which Dr. Surakiart noted that the said cooperation between the two countries would be based on the following guiding principles:







March 26, 2004


On 25 March 2004, Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and Mr. Sok An, Senior Minister, Ministry in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers of Cambodia, jointly gave a press briefing on the outcomes of the Meeting on Thailand-Cambodia Joint Development of Preah Vihear Temple at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During which Dr. Surakiart noted that the said cooperation between the two countries would be based on the following guiding principles:
1. Both sides agreed that the joint development of Preah Vihear Temple would be a symbol of the long-lasting friendship, based on mutual benefits and understand, between the two countries.
2. Both sides agreed to restore and preserve the beauty and historical as well as archeological values of Preah Vihear Temple, in an effort to turn it into a heritage of mankind. It was proposed that Preah Vihear Temple be recognized by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage.
3. Both sides agreed to cooperate in resolving the existing major issues impacting on the lives of the people living in the area, such as environmental problems and de-mining operation at Preah Vihear Temple and its vicinity.
4. For both sides to gain full benefits, the joint development of Preah Vihear Temple should be linked with and complement the other relevant development frameworks such as ACMECS, GMS and the Emerald Triangle.
5. Participation and assistance from third parties, such as international organizations, NGOs and the private sector, in the joint development of Preah Vihear Temple would be welcomed.
6. Both sides agreed in principle that the joint survey of the border areas to collect data on the geographical features for future demarcation would be conducted simultaneously with the preparation for the restoration works of the joint development of Preah Vihear Temple.
7. A Plan of Action would be developed to ensure the effective implementation of the joint development of Preah Vihear Temple.
8. Both sides agreed to set up two sub-committees, namely Sub-Committee on the Restoration and Renovation of Preah Vihear Temple and Sub-Committee on the Joint Development Plan, to implement cooperation in the joint development of Preah Vihear Temple.
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