Cambodia Hails Japan as Key Partner in Mine Action

Senior Minister H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), has lauded Japan as a "vital, long-standing partner in global and local mine action." The remarks were made during a bilateral meeting with Mr. Daisuke Namioka, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament, in Geneva. H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch expressed gratitude to the Japanese government and people for their sustained contributions to peace, development, and the clearance of explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Cambodia. He noted that these joint efforts have significantly mitigated the risks posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance to civilian populations. The CMAA official also recalled the success of the 5th Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention (the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World), presided over by Cambodia in 2024. This conference, he stated, served to bolster international cooperation and reinforce commitments toward achieving a mine-free world. Regarding cluster munitions, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch reiterated Cambodia's full support for the humanitarian objectives of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). He emphasized that despite holding observer status, Cambodia remains steadfast in aligning with the international community to prevent and reduce the devastating impacts of cluster munitions on civilians. In response, Mr. Daisuke Namioka reaffirmed the close ties between the two nations. He pledged Japan's continued backing for Cambodia's demining and cluster munition clearance operations under the framework of Cambodia's National Mine Action Strategy 2026-2035. Cambodia has a long history of suffering from landmine contamination, with significant portions of its territory still affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance. Japan's assistance plays a crucial role in removing these threats, enhancing public safety, and supporting economic development. This dialogue between the two countries underscores the continuation and strengthening of this cooperative relationship.