Tokyo: Cambodia’s commitment to global mine action is rooted in a deep, humanitarian desire to prevent other nations from enduring the suffering it once faced, according to H.E. Senior Minister Ly Thuch.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, as the First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), Senior Minister Ly Thuch stated that the Kingdom of Cambodia, having overcome its own extensive landmine crisis, has emerged as a global leader in the field, actively sharing its experience and expertise worldwide to foster peace and stability.
“Cambodia’s willingness to share derives from its deep understanding of the suffering and pain caused by landmines,” he remarked. “We do not wish to see any country or nation endure the same tragedy Cambodia once faced.”
H.E. Ly Thuch delivered these remarks during the 2025 Ukraine Mine Action Conference in Tokyo, Japan, on Oct. 22, 2025. The event was organised by the Government of Japan, which currently serves as Chair of the 22nd Meeting of the States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention).
Representing Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Senior Minister Ly Thuch expressed gratitude to Japan for organising the crucial event and for its long-standing contribution to global humanitarian mine action, including in Cambodia. He highlighted that Japan’s support has been instrumental in reducing the dangers posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), securing safe land for communities, and restoring hope and dignity to the affected population.
Cambodia, once one of the most heavily mined countries globally, has undergone a significant transformation under the leadership of former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and the current Prime Minister, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet. Both leaders have made mine clearance a central pillar of the nation’s development strategy.
This concerted effort has turned formerly dangerous land into safe and productive areas for housing and economic growth.
“Mine action is not only about clearance,” H.E. Ly Thuch underscored, “it is about creating new opportunities for reconstruction, agriculture, education, and sustainable development.” He stressed that Cambodia’s participation in global mine action, which includes sharing expertise with nations like Ukraine, is grounded purely in humanitarian principles and remains free from any political agenda.
The Senior Minister concluded by noting that while Cambodia completed its term as Chair of the Ottawa Convention in 2024, it remains proud to have led the development and adoption of the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan 2025-2029, which now serves as a global roadmap for mine action.
Cambodia continues to support the humanitarian mine action community through technical assistance, capacity building, participation in UN peacekeeping missions, and ongoing support for affected communities worldwide.