Siem reap: Nations of the Mekong-Lancang region have reaffirmed their commitment to bolster cooperation in achieving a region free of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW).
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the pledge was made at a regional seminar that opened in Siem Reap province this morning, presided over by H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA). In his opening address, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch highlighted Cambodia’s progress in mine action under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, stating that the Kingdom has emerged as a leader in humanitarian demining and has placed the issue at the core of its national development agenda.
The Senior Minister noted that during its chairmanship of the Ottawa Convention last year, Cambodia played a crucial role in renewing international efforts to address the impact of landmines. He cited the Siem Reap-Angkor Declaration and Action Plan 2025-2029 as a significant global roadmap toward a mine-free world.
H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch also expressed the Royal Government of Cambodia’s gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its support in humanitarian mine action both in Cambodia and globally. He mentioned that China’s contributions extend beyond demining to include economic development, infrastructure, and the promotion of regional peace and prosperity.
While acknowledging the advances made by Cambodia and its neighbors, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch warned that landmines and ERW continue to pose a threat. He called for enhanced regional collaboration, particularly in sharing experience, knowledge, and technical expertise, affirming that their commitment will endure as long as the scars of war remain.
He concluded by framing the Mekong River as both a source of life and a symbol of cooperation, urging all regional partners to work together to replace the legacies of conflict with a heritage of peace and opportunity.
The three-day workshop, running from Oct. 27-29, is part of the ‘Mekong-Lancang Cooperation on Mine Action’ project, funded by the People’s Republic of China’s Special Fund. The event aims to foster knowledge exchange and strengthen regional partnerships in mine action, bringing together experts from international organizations and representatives from the national mine action institutions of Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam.