Thailand and Cambodia Sign Treaty of Cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia —  Thailand and Cambodia signed a treaty Thursday aimed at ushering in a new era of mutual trust and cooperation after months of strained relations.

Cambodia’s two prime ministers, Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Hun Sen, and visiting Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai signed the document, which covers border security, business agreements and bilateral aid.

Chuan’s visit is the first by a Thai prime minister since Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953.

The treaty calls for future disputes over border security to be handled by a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation.

“The criminal and illegal activities by armed individuals and groups on and along the Thai-Cambodian border, affecting the security of both countries, should be looked at seriously,” the treaty said.

Chuan had earlier assured his Cambodian hosts that his country was not supporting the Khmer Rouge guerrillas, the last group resisting a U.N.-brokered pact to put an end to 13 years of civil war.

Cambodian army commanders and U.N. officials have accused the Thai army of supporting recent attacks by the rebels in northwest Cambodia.

As part of the treaty, Thailand promised $1.2 million in aid to help Cambodia improve public health, education, agriculture, banking, civil aviation, science and technology.