Phnom penh: Norway has lauded Cambodia as a trailblazer in global mine action policy and a pivotal player in the implementation of the Ottawa Convention, citing the country's extensive experience and significant tangible achievements in addressing the legacy of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW).
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the assessment was made during a bilateral meeting in Geneva between Senior Minister H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), and Ms. Anne Karine Jahren, Senior Adviser for Humanitarian Policy at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch expressed deep appreciation for Norway's long-standing support, specifically highlighting its crucial contribution to the successful declaration of Kep as Cambodia's first mine-free province. He underscored the Norwegian Government and the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) as trusted friends and long-term partners whose backing has been instrumental to Cambodia's successes in the mine action sector.
Beyond its domestic accomplishments, he emphasised Cambodia's expanding global role, sharing its expertise and technical know-how with other mine-affected countries, including Colombia and Ukraine. The Senior Minister urged Norway to continue supporting Cambodia's capacity to assist nations with urgent mine clearance needs.
He also noted that after more than three decades of sustained efforts, Cambodia is preparing to launch its National Mine Action Policy for 2026-2035, reinforcing its strong commitment to achieving the goals set out under the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan 2025-2029.
In a key discussion point, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch briefed the Norwegian side on the severe hardships faced by communities along the Cambodia-Thailand border following recent hostilities. He stated that unexploded ordnance (UXO), including alleged cluster munitions, continues to pose serious threats to civilians, livestock, and the environment. This situation, he added, has imposed a heavy new burden on Cambodia to clear ERW, particularly cluster munitions, to ensure the safe return and livelihoods of displaced populations.
In response, Ms. Anne Karine Jahren commended Cambodia's sustained efforts and leadership in mine action. She affirmed Norway's commitment as a donor but stressed that Cambodia's success is fundamentally driven by strong national ownership, supported by robust management and coordination mechanisms. She reiterated that Cambodia stands as a leading pioneer in mine action policy and, through its proven results, has become a vital actor in advancing the objectives of the Ottawa Convention (Mine Ban Treaty).