The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and the Embassy of India in Cambodia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to continue mine clearance operations, strengthening their commitment to making Cambodia mine-free.
The MoU was inked today at the CMAA headquarters by H.E. Senior Minister Ly Thuch, First Vice President of the CMAA, and H.E. Dr. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of India to Cambodia.
This agreement facilitates mine clearance in Prey Andoung village, Progil commune, Phnom Kravanh district, Pursat province, with the ultimate goal of declaring it a mine-free village. The project is funded by a grant from the Government of India through its Quick Impact Projects (QIP) scheme in Cambodia.
Senior Minister Ly Thuch highlighted the significance of the signing, stating that it “is yet another vivid and concrete testament to the excellent, traditional, and historical long-standing friendship between the Governments and peoples of India and Cambodia, which spans millennia and continues to advance remarkably.”
He emphasised that India’s generous support for mine action—encompassing both mine clearance and victim assistance—reflects a robust partnership committed to mutual assistance. This partnership contributes to the Royal Government of Cambodia’s vision, under the astute leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, to achieve a country free from the impact of mines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW).
H.E. Ly Thuch further noted that India’s support goes beyond mere clearance, acting as a “path to restoring community dignity and expanding Cambodia’s unlimited potential.” He referenced the partnership’s scope, from clearing land in Koh Kong and Pursat provinces to the “India for Humanity” initiative, which provides prosthetic limbs to mine victims.
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Senior Minister Ly Thuch expressed profound gratitude to Ambassador Bawitlung and his team for their dedication to strengthening the bilateral friendship and their continuous support in resolving Cambodia’s long-standing legacy of war, thereby improving the livelihoods of affected communities through the QIP initiative.
For his part, Ambassador Bawitlung stated that the MoU reflects the long-standing friendly relations and cooperation between India and Cambodia, built on trust, goodwill, and shared commitment. This marks the third mine clearance project supported under the QIP framework of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation. The initiative is projected to clear 20 hectares of land, directly benefiting approximately 1,000 individuals.
“Prey Andoung village in Pursat province will be declared mine-free, creating numerous opportunities for a safer and brighter future,” the Ambassador remarked. He underscored that mine clearance efforts are crucial for restoring confidence and dignity for affected communities, enabling them to resume economic activities and empowering them to achieve a brilliant future.
The Ambassador concluded that this project moves Cambodia closer to realising its vision of becoming mine-free by 2030.
