AKP Phnom Penh, September 16, 2025 --

Cambodia continues to prioritise humanitarian mine clearance along the border with Thailand under the new initiative of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Senior Minister H.E. Ly Thuch affirmed on Tuesday.

Speaking during a meeting with H.E. Igor Driesmans, EU Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Ly Thuch, who also serves as First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), stressed that clearance operations remain a regular and ongoing activity in line with national priorities.

The main challenge is not the clearance itself, but the unresolved demarcation of certain border areas between Cambodia and Thailand, he said, adding that Cambodia focuses its efforts on clearly demarcated zones, populated areas, and land used for socio-economic purposes.

H.E. Ly Thuch also highlighted that the recent five-day armed clashes left behind numerous explosive remnants of war, increasing the burden on Cambodia and affecting local communities in areas already impacted by legacy landmines.

On behalf of the Royal Government and the Cambodian people, H.E. Ly Thuch expressed deep gratitude to the European Union for its decades-long support since 1992 in reducing accidents, returning safe land to communities, and improving livelihoods. He also underscored the EU’s support for Cambodia’s leadership roles, including hosting the Siem Reap–Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World last year.

H.E. Ly Thuch hailed the EU as a long-standing partner and close friend in Cambodia’s humanitarian journey toward a mine-free future.

By Heng Panha