PHNOM PENH, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and Thailand have reaffirmed shared resolve to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership for the benefit of both countries and peoples, said a press release from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
The reaffirmation was made between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during their meeting on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Laos.
On political cooperation, both leaders underscored the importance of the regular exchange of high-level visits and consultations on ways and means to further deepen and expand bilateral ties and cooperation.
"In this connection, they considered holding a joint cabinet retreat and encouraged the two foreign ministries to convene the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation at the earliest convenience," the press release said.
On the economic front, the two leaders noted with satisfaction the increasing bilateral trade and business exchanges.
They welcomed the successful conclusion of the third Ministerial Meeting on Tourism in July this year in Bangkok, and the concept of "Two Kingdoms, One Destination" to attract more tourists to the two nations.
"They agreed to task relevant institutions to expedite cooperation projects and consultations on further facilitating cross-border trade, promoting tourism, and building economic synergies such as through complementary special economic zones in border provinces for the mutual benefit of both nations," the press release said.
They acknowledged the important role and active engagement of the private sector in promoting trade and investment between the two countries, it added.
The two leaders also reaffirmed commitment to closer cooperation in fighting transboundary crimes, such as illicit drug smuggling, trafficking in persons, online scams and cybersecurity threats, the press release added. ■