Ankara: Cambodia and Thailand presented their positions Tuesday before a UN-backed conciliation panel in Singapore over their long-running maritime dispute, with Phnom Penh seeking a comprehensive boundary pact and Bangkok vowing to protect its sovereignty and maritime rights.

According to Anadolu Agency, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn stated that Phnom Penh chose the conciliation process "in keeping with its commitment to the rule of law and to the peaceful settlement of disputes." He emphasized that Cambodia wanted a resolution that "serves the peoples of both nations and contributes to peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity in the region."

Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow asserted that Bangkok would "firmly protect" its sovereignty and maritime rights while adhering to international law, as reported by Thai PBS World. Sihasak reiterated Thailand's commitment to peaceful dispute settlement but criticized the 2001 memorandum governing negotiations for producing "no concrete progress." He also clarified that the proceedings concern maritime delimitation in the Gulf of Thailand and do not involve sovereignty over Koh Kood island.

The dispute reached the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) panel after Cambodia initiated compulsory conciliation when Thailand terminated the 2001 memorandum in May. The first meeting of the Conciliation Commission began in Singapore on Monday and is scheduled to continue through Wednesday.