Cambodian Senior Minister H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch has requested the European Union (EU) to continue supporting the Kingdom’s vision toward becoming a nation free from the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), with a particular focus on clearing munitions left behind by the Thai military.
H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, who serves as First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), made the appeal during a meeting on Wednesday with Mr. Cosmin Dobran, Director for Peace, Partnerships and Crisis Management at the European External Action Service (EEAS), and his delegation. The talks, held at the CMAA headquarters, focused on exchanging views regarding the border situation and support for mine clearance operations.
On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch extended a warm welcome to the EU delegation for the pivotal dialogue. He expressed gratitude to the EU for its longstanding partnership in Cambodia’s mine action efforts and for its support of Cambodia’s role as president and host of the Fifth Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention) in 2024. He also commended the EU’s continued commitment to achieving a mine-free world.
The Senior Minister highlighted the Royal Government’s proactive efforts in addressing landmines and ERW, which have yielded significant achievements for the nation and its people. He noted that these accomplishments have earned Cambodia high praise from the international community, recognising it as a leading nation in mine clearance.
However, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch also raised concerns over ongoing challenges, particularly regarding landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) remaining in the complex border areas with Thailand. He stated that the situation has been exacerbated by munitions newly left behind by Thai military forces during two separate clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border in 2025.
To address these lingering challenges, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch outlined the Royal Government’s clear vision for a Cambodia free from the impact of landmines and ERW. In this context, he formally requested that the EU continue to support this vision, especially in clearing newly discovered mines and explosive munitions resulting from the 2025 border incursions by Thai troops.
In response, Mr. Dobran praised the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan towards a mine-free world, which Cambodia championed during its presidency of the Ottawa Convention in 2024. He affirmed that the EU will maintain its commitment to supporting humanitarian mine clearance operations in Cambodia.
