India and Cambodia Sign MoU for Humanitarian Mine Clearance Project in Pursat

The Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of a Quick Impact Project (QIP) to support humanitarian demining activities in Mol Village, Rokat Commune, Phnom Kravanh District, Pursat Province. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the CMAA, and Mr. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia, in the presence of senior officials from both sides. This project, under India's QIP framework, will contribute to Cambodia's national demining efforts by clearing approximately 163,207 square meters of land threatened by landmines and explosive remnants of war in Mol Village. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1,403 residents (equivalent to 369 families), restoring land safety for agricultural production, housing construction, and community development. The project also includes raising awareness about the risks of unexploded ordnance to enhance understanding and ensure the safety of local communities. During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung underscored the robust and continuous cooperation between India and Cambodia in the field of demining. He noted that humanitarian demining activities not only remove the hidden dangers in the soil but also open up opportunities for sustainable development, improvement of livelihoods, and assurance of a safer and more prosperous future for local communities. His Excellency Dr. Ly Thuch expressed his profound gratitude to the Government and people of India for their long-standing partnership in Cambodia's demining sector. He observed that the deep-rooted friendship between Cambodia and India, stemming from centuries of shared history and civilization, continues to flourish vibrantly through tangible cooperation that contributes to improving the lives of the Cambodian people. His Excellency the Senior Minister lauded India's valuable humanitarian assistance to mine victims through the 'India for Humanity' initiative, which has helped hundreds of mine victims in Cambodia regain their mobility, independence, and opportunities for a fruitful life. India has been a long-standing partner in Cambodia's humanitarian demining efforts. Under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation QIP framework, India and CMAA have successfully implemented four demining projects. The first project cleared four villages in Koh Kong Province, benefiting over 7,000 residents. The second project in Koh Paoh Village, Koh Kong Province, cleared approximately 197,810 square meters of threatened land, benefiting over 3,300 families. Meanwhile, another QIP currently underway in Preah Andoung Village, Pursat Province, is progressing well and will clear approximately 200,000 square meters, directly benefiting about 1,000 residents. India has consistently supported Cambodia's demining programs since the early 1990s through technical assistance, capacity building, provision of demining equipment, donation of mine detection dogs, assistance to mine victims, and grant funding for humanitarian demining projects. During the visit of the Vice President of India to Cambodia in 2022, India announced special assistance to support humanitarian demining in Botum Sakor, Sre Ambel, Thma Bang districts, and Tropaeng Rung commune. Notably, Botum Sakor, Sre Ambel, and Tropaeng Rung communes have already been declared mine-free, while Thma Bang district is expected to achieve mine-free status in the near future, a significant milestone in the joint efforts between India and Cambodia towards a mine-free future. Reaffirming Cambodia's national commitment, His Excellency Senior Minister Ly Thuch stated that every hectare of land cleared through cooperation with India brings Cambodia closer to its goal of becoming a mine-impact-free nation, where no community lives under the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war. The signing of this MoU reflects the deep and long-standing friendship between India and Cambodia and underscores the two countries' shared commitment to enhancing human security, sustainable development, and the well-being of communities affected by the legacy of landmines. Source: AKP Khmer