AKP Phnom Penh, October 28, 2025 --

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).

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 significant progress in mine action under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet. He stated that the Kingdom has emerged as a global leader in humanitarian demining, having 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 was instrumental in renewing international efforts to end the suffering caused by landmines. He cited the Siem Reap-Angkor Declaration and Action Plan 2025-2029 as a critical global roadmap toward a mine-free world.

H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch also expressed the Royal Government of Cambodia’s profound gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its substantial support to humanitarian mine action both in Cambodia and worldwide. He added that China's contributions extend beyond demining to include economic development, infrastructure, and the promotion of regional peace and prosperity.

While acknowledging the remarkable advances made by Cambodia and its neighbours, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch warned that landmines and ERW continue to pose a serious threat. He called for enhanced regional collaboration, particularly in sharing experience, knowledge, and technical expertise.

“As long as the scars of war remain, our commitment will endure,” he affirmed.

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.

The meeting brings together experts from international organisations and representatives from the national mine action institutions of Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

Article in Khmer by Khuth Sao
Article in English by K. Rithy Reak