PHNOM PENH - Cambodia and Thailand on Wednesday expressed their firm commitment to resolving border disputes peacefully and preventing clashes, said a press statement released by the Cambodian defense ministry.

The commitment was made during the first Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting, which was held in Cambodia's Koh Kong province and co-chaired by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Seiha and Thailand's acting Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit.

"Both sides agreed on the urgent need to de-escalate tensions through the removal of heavy and destructive weapons back to their respective normal military installations," the statement said.

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The statement said both sides stressed that strengthening communication at all levels is essential to building mutual trust and promoting good neighborliness.

The two sides agreed that the second Special General Border Committee Meeting will be held within 30 days, with Thailand as the host.