AKP Phnom Penh, September 06, 2025–– 

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 5 to bolster South-South cooperation in mine action and unexploded ordnance (UXO) management.

The signing ceremony took place at CMAC Headquarters in Phnom Penh. The agreement was executed by CMAC Director-General H.E. Heng Ratana, JICA Senior Advisor Ms. Eri Komukai, and UXO Lao Deputy Director General Mr. Saomany Manivong.

The three-year partnership, set to run from September 2025 to June 2028, will operate under two frameworks: a human resource development project to enhance the capacity of UXO Lao and the second phase of a capacity development project for CMAC.

Key areas of focus include: Formulating and disseminating UXO Lao's long-term strategic plan for 2027–2036, with an emphasis on resource mobilization and public outreach; Implementing CMAC's institutional strategic plan.

The agreement builds on a long-standing partnership between CMAC and UXO Lao. To date, CMAC has provided 15 training courses to 235 participants from UXO Lao, strengthening the collaborative effort to address UXO challenges in the region.

By K. Rithy Reak