Cambodia and Laos Strengthen Cooperation on Mine Action and ERW

Cambodia and Laos are continuing to strengthen their cooperation in the field of mine action and explosive remnants of war (ERW) to ensure the safety of their citizens. His Excellency Dr. Ly Thuch, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority, stated this during a working meeting with Mr. Jürg Lauber, Vice President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in Vientiane, Laos, on September 14, 2026, on the sidelines of the 3rd Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). His Excellency Ly Thuch affirmed that Cambodia and Laos will continue to strengthen cooperation in mine action and ERW to protect the safety of their people, giving utmost care regardless of the circumstances. He expressed his gratitude to the ICRC for its support in the mine sector and for facilitating the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who were detained by the Thai military in 2025. His Excellency also raised the new humanitarian burden of explosive ordnance left over from the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict in 2025 and requested the ICRC to continue supporting Cambodia in resolving this issue. Mr. Jürg Lauber praised Cambodia's contribution to humanitarian goals, even though Cambodia is not yet a state party to the convention. He also confirmed that the ICRC is working with the Cambodian Red Cross to assist citizens displaced by the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict in 2025. Source: AKP Khmer