H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), has emphasised that mine clearance along the Cambodia-Thailand border is a top priority.
He stated that operations must focus on populated areas and clearly demarcated border zones.
The Senior Minister’s remarks were made during a meeting today in Phnom Penh with H.E. Shaharuddin Onn, Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia.
Ambassador Shaharuddin Onn praised the Royal Government of Cambodia for its significant achievements in mine clearance and its leadership in implementing the Ottawa Convention. He acknowledged that the ongoing presence of landmines continues to be a major obstacle for Cambodia in providing safe land for its citizens.
The Ambassador also highlighted Malaysia’s recent role, as the ASEAN Chair, in facilitating a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand during recent armed clashes. He noted that this effort, supported by the United States and China, was a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to securing a lasting peace between the two countries.
In response, Senior Minister Ly Thuch expressed gratitude to Malaysia for its role in the ceasefire. He also thanked Malaysian companies, including the Khmer Times, the Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC), and Maybank, for their contributions to Cambodia’s mine action efforts.
The Senior Minister underscored the complexity of the landmine issue, particularly along the heavily contaminated Cambodia-Thailand border. He stressed that completing clearance operations will require significant time and resources but reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to prioritising clearance in residential areas and clearly defined border zones.
