Cambodia asks France to provide historical evidence to help settle dispute

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has asked France to provide historical documents to help resolve an enduring border dispute with Thailand that twice spilled over into armed conflict last year, Cambodia's foreign ministry said on Thursday.



Hun Manet wrote to French President Emmanuel Macron asking for access to any historical and technical documents that France might have that relate to the border, and also welcomed France's expertise and advisory support, the foreign ministry said in a statement dated February 4.



The 817-km (508-mile) border was first mapped by France in 1907, when Cambodia was its colony, and was based on ⁠the natural watershed dividing the country from Thailand.



Disputed territories include several renowned historical sites.



Cambodia also welcomed France's "constructive engagement" in efforts to resolve the long-standing dispute, the prime minister said, according to the statement.



Hun Manet had said Macron indicated a willingness to help in previous meetings. Fighting between the two southeast Asian neighbours broke out in July last year after weeks of tensions sparked by the death of a Cambodian soldier in a skirmish in late May.