Cambodia has set a clear objective to fully resolve the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war, a senior Royal Government official told a visiting U.S. delegation on Thursday, while highlighting the complex and costly challenge of contamination along the Cambodian-Thai border.
Senior Minister H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), conveyed the Royal Government’s commitment during a meeting with Ethan Rinks, Programme Manager for East Asia and Pacific Region, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement at the U.S. State Department, at the CMAA headquarters in Phnom Penh. The talks aimed to strengthen the partnership and cooperation in mine action between the two nations.
Speaking on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia under Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch stated that the objective to end the impact of mines and war remnants is clearly defined. This assurance was delivered as part of discussions to bolster the long-standing bilateral cooperation in humanitarian mine action.
However, H.E. Senior Minister expressed concern over the current challenges along the Cambodia-Thailand border. He described the situation there as complex, requiring significant time and financial resources to address.
He extended gratitude to the U.S. government and people for their support in clearing landmines along the border and for assistance provided to displaced populations.
H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch highlighted the efforts of the Royal Government of Cambodia alongside international partners and noted that the U.S. is the largest donor to Cambodia’s mine action sector, contributing over US$200 million. He welcomed the robust partnership and U.S. support for national operator CMAC (Cambodian Mine Action Centre) and other international operators in humanitarian mine action.
He praised the over 30-year partnership with the U.S., stating that the collaboration has been instrumental in saving lives and returning safe land to Cambodians. He characterised the continued cooperation as vital for addressing remaining challenges, supporting affected communities, and achieving the shared goal of a safe, mine-free Cambodia.
