Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol met with Thai Minister of Finance Arkhom Termpittayapaisith on November 10 to discuss strengthening cooperation on infrastructure and transport across the mutual borders of the two nations.

Sun Chanthol warmly welcomed the Thai minister, formerly the Thai Minister of Transport, and the Thai delegation which attended the bilateral meeting.

In a social media post, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport thanked the Thai government for its support for Cambodia across almost all sectors, especially infrastructure and transport between the two countries.

The post announced that Chanthol had underscored the importance of the role of the infrastructure sector in boosting the national economies of both of the neighbouring Kingdoms.

Chanthol also mentioned many important activities relating to cross-border cooperation. The ministry has established teams to prepare the Stung Bot International Gate and a road linking it with National Road 5.

The construction of the road was almost 70 per cent complete as of October 31. A bridge across the Stung Bot-Ban Nong Ian border has been completed, but no agreement has yet been reached on tolls.

The Thai delegation agreed to as for the approval of its leaders to review the Cambodian side’s request that the bridge remain toll-free, as it was constructed using grants. The Thma Da International Border Gate (Victory Bridge) project is located in Pursat province.

The Thai finance Minister concurred with Chanthol, saying that the infrastructure and transport sectors had contributed to excellent bilateral relations and cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand.

He added that despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the transport sector between the two countries had not been severely affected because of the quality and efficiency of the infrastructure system.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides expressed their willingness to push forward the projects to achieve tangible results in the near future.

They are also committed to strengthening and developing cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand.