Cambodia Lauds China's Support as Driver for 'Shared Future' at Mine Action Event

AKP Phnom Penh, July 08, 2026 -- A senior Cambodian official on Wednesday hailed China’s ongoing support as a vital driving force in building a Cambodia-China community with a shared future, during an event marking the completion of a joint mine action project. H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), made the remarks at a closing ceremony for the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Mine Action Project in Svay Rieng province's Romeas Hek district. The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Wang Wenbin, alongside Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary H.E. Kan Pharith, Svay Rieng Provincial Governor H.E. Peng Posa, and H.E. Sem Ratana, Acting Director-General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces. "Peace is the foundation of development, and mine action is a crucial humanitarian mission to protect lives and transform war-torn land into safe areas for living and development," H.E. Ly Thuch said. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the Royal Government of Cambodia continues to prioritise peace, security, and public well-being, aiming to ensure all citizens can live without the fear of landmines and explosive remnants of war, the Senior Minister added. According to H.E. Ly Thuch, the China-backed MLC project successfully cleared more than 3 million square metres of contaminated land, returning it safe for agricultural use and local development, while also boosting mine-risk education in the community. Expressing gratitude to China, H.E. Senior Minister noted that China’s sustained assistance reflects the "ironclad friendship" and historic ties between the two nations, serving as a catalyst for regional peace and development. By K. Rithy Reak