Phnom penh: Italy has committed to supporting Cambodia's landmine clearance efforts under the country's forthcoming 2026-2035 National Mine Action Policy, officials announced on Thursday. The pledge was confirmed during a meeting of the Steering Committee for the "Clearing for Results Phase IV" (CfRIV) project at the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) headquarters, co-chaired by Shakeel Ahmad, a representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Senior Minister H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the CMAA, reviewed the project's progress and thanked existing partners - Australia, the Republic of Korea (KOICA), New Zealand, Luxembourg, UNDP, and the Royal Government of Cambodia - for their sustained commitment. He noted that over the past five years, the project has cleared millions of square metres of contaminated land, reduced casualties, and supported socio-economic development in affected communities.
H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch outlined ongoing challenges, including surveys in border provinces, rapid response in high-risk areas, and Cambodia's recently approved extension request under the Ottawa Convention. He welcomed Italy's return to the partnership for the next phase, calling its support a 'new source of strength' to accelerate Cambodia's mine action goals.
The minister urged continued focus on high-risk and high-potential areas, aligning with the national policy to eliminate the threat of explosive ordnance and ensure sustainable peace and development.