Cambodia Seeks Continued Japanese Support for Mine Clearance Capacity Building

Heng Ratana, Director General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), has requested continued support from Japan for strengthening Cambodia's mine clearance capabilities. Ratana expressed deep gratitude to the Japanese government and its people for their long-standing support in enhancing CMAC's technical capacity and demining operations. The request was made during a meeting on September 16, 2026, at CMAC headquarters in Phnom Penh with a Japanese parliamentary delegation led by Hideki Higashino, a member of the Japanese House of Councillors. Director General Ratana briefed the delegation on CMAC's progress and achievements in clearing landmines and explosive remnants of war over the past 34 years, highlighting three key areas: 1. Challenges and achievements in clearing explosive remnants of war, 2. Thailand's invasion of Cambodia in 2025, and 3. Japan-Cambodia cooperation in demining and socio-economic development. Ratana specifically emphasized the significant role of Japanese aid projects and the valuable cooperation from the Japanese government and people in bolstering CMAC's technical capabilities, which have been crucial to the center's operational success. He further appealed for Japan's continued assistance in the demining sector in the years ahead. Following the meeting, the Japanese parliamentary delegation toured CMAC's exhibition hall to gain a deeper understanding of the center's history, mission, and accomplishments in addressing Cambodia's mine problem. They also observed demonstrations of demining technology and equipment, including demining machinery, the ALIS mine detector, demining robots, mine-sniffing dogs, and underwater demining materials. The visit provided the Japanese delegation with an opportunity to gain a more in-depth understanding of CMAC's experience and activities in demining, as well as Cambodia's efforts to resolve the challenges posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war, including cluster bombs left from past conflicts and the recent invasion by Thai military in 2025. These efforts contribute to ensuring the safety of citizens and supporting Cambodia's development. The visit also served as an occasion to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and Japan in the field of mine action. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local