Singapore urges Thailand, Cambodia to resolve border disputes through talks

SINGAPORE, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed deep concern on Friday over fresh border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia and urged restraint on both sides.

"We urge Cambodia and Thailand to resolve their differences through negotiations," the ministry said in a statement. " Singapore supports the efforts by Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa who has been in touch with his Cambodian and Thai counterparts after the clashes today."

Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire over their disputed border earlier on Friday.

Tensions have been high since a skirmish in February in the area where the Preah Vihear temple stands.

Indonesia, currently the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has been actively facilitating dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their differences peacefully. Singapore is also a member of ASEAN.

"This is important for the long term relationship of Cambodia and Thailand, as well as in the broader interests of ASEAN," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore said.