Bangkok: Katrina Cooper has been appointed as the chair of the reconciliation committee under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), according to an announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The first meeting of the committee is anticipated to take place in September.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided an update on the conciliation process, revealing that the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) issued a statement on August 14, 2026. The statement confirmed Ambassador Katrina Cooper of Australia as the fifth conciliator and the Chair of the Conciliation Commission for the ongoing mediation process under the 1982 UNCLOS.
Thailand has been notified of this development by the PCA. Ambassador Cooper, who is a diplomat and an international lawyer, is well-regarded in the international legal community and is supported by Thailand. Her extensive knowledge and experience in international law and negotiation make her a fitting choice for this role.
Ambassador Cooper's background in diplomacy and international relations aids her understanding of complex international issues. She previously served as the Australian Ambassador to Mexico and was a co-agent of the Australian government in the UNCLOS mediation between Australia and Timor-Leste, highlighting her relevant experience.
The Conciliation Commission is expected to set a date for its first meeting in September 2026. The agenda will likely include drafting Rules of Procedure to guide the Commission's operations and planning future meetings and processes. Thailand has expressed its commitment to supporting the Conciliation Commission, which is a peaceful dispute resolution mechanism under UNCLOS.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with related agencies, is dedicated to protecting national interests and is prepared to engage in international law-based processes to achieve sustainable solutions for the involved countries.