AKP Phnom Penh, January 30, 2026 --

The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) continues to demonstrate strong national ownership of the mine action sector by sustaining financial contributions and providing clear strategic guidance to advance humanitarian mine action, despite ongoing challenges.

Representing Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, who is also President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the CMAA, together with Mr. Enrico Gaveglia, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cambodia, co-chaired the first meeting of the Project Board for the Clearing for Results Phase V (CfR5) – Mine Action for Human Development on Jan. 29.

The meeting was held at the CMAA headquarters and online, with participation from representatives of the embassies of Luxembourg, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as officials from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and representatives of the Disability Trust Fund.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch highly appreciated and underscored the importance of contributions from friendly countries and development partners to Cambodia’s mine action sector, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring that mine action efforts continue to save lives, restore dignity, and open opportunities for development. He noted that such contributions also send a strong signal of international solidarity with Cambodia’s journey toward a mine-free future.

H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch stated that while Cambodia has made remarkable progress over recent decades, the remaining contamination has become increasingly complex, with affected land located in vulnerable community areas. In addition, recent tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border have created humanitarian challenges and necessitated expanded mine action operations.

Despite these challenges, he emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, the RGC continues to show strong ownership of the mine action sector by maintaining financial commitments and providing clear direction to advance humanitarian mine action. This commitment reaffirms mine action as a national priority in support of peace, security, and sustainable development, while contributing to rural development, poverty reduction, and social protection.

On behalf of the RGC and the Cambodian people, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch expressed his sincere appreciation to UNDP and the governments of Luxembourg, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand for their participation in the CfR5 project, as well as to other friendly countries and partners for their continued partnership and steadfast support in advancing Cambodia’s mine action priorities and improving the livelihoods of the Cambodian people.

By C. Nika