Cambodia Foreign Relations

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• United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Tribunal

Cambodia Foreign Relations

Cambodia's geographical position between Thailand and Viet Nam has historically dominated its foreign relations. Since the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in 1991 the Cambodian Government has recognised the need for international diplomatic support and foreign aid and the need to work with others to meet common regional and global challenges.

Cambodia is a member of the G77, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations (UN) and a number of UN bodies, including the International Labour Organisation, the World Health Organisation and the Food and Agricultural Organisation. Cambodia acceded to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in January 1995 and participated in the ASEAN Regional Forum for the first time in 1995. The outbreak of fighting between CPP and FUNCINPEC in July 1997 in Phnom Penh delayed Cambodia's entry into ASEAN until April 1999. In October 2004, Cambodia became the 148^th member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Despite its participation in international bodies, Cambodia's relations with the UN and Western Governments continue to be subject to diplomatic spats over human rights. Cambodia continues to receive criticism for politically motivated violence and treatment of ethnic minorities. Around 90% of the Cambodian population are ethnic Khmers, 5% are Vietnamese, 1% are Chinese and 4% are of other ethnicity. The Islamic community, known as the Cham, is significant (around 200,000). The Cham are spread across several provinces, and a number of indigenous hill tribes in the remote north-east of Cambodia.

Cambodia has a solid relationship with Thailand but this has long been complicated by the presence on the Thai-Cambodia land border of refugees and groups involved in armed resistance to the Cambodian government, as well as disagreement over disputed waters in the Gulf of Thailand, and the Preah Vihear Temple. Illegal harvesting of timber in border areas has also been an irritant in the relationship.

Cambodia's relations with Viet Nam have been complex but have gradually improved since the UN-sponsored elections in 1993. There are large numbers of ethnic Vietnamese (many who have lived in Cambodia for generations) living in Cambodia. Sensitivities still exist over border issues but progress has been made. In late 2005 both sides ratified the "Supplementary Treaty to the 1985 Treaty on the Delimitation of the State Border between Cambodia and Vietnam". The planting of border markers began in late 2006 and are expected to be completed by late 2008.

Japan and China are both key players in Cambodia's foreign policy.