The sharing of Cambodia's mine action experience and expertise stems from Cambodia's deep understanding of the suffering and pain caused by landmines, and our desire not to see any country or nation suffer as Cambodia has.
(Tokyo, Japan) October 22, 2025 — His Excellency Senior Minister Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the Mine Authority, underlined that as a country that has suffered severely from mines, Cambodia has become a leading nation in global mine action and consistently shares its experience and expertise with countries around the world to contribute to achieving peace and stability globally. Cambodia's sharing stems from its deep understanding of the suffering and pain caused by landmines, and its desire not to see any country or nation suffer as Cambodia has.
This statement was made after His Excellency Ly Thuch was appointed by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, to participate in and deliver a speech at the Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2025, organized by the Government of Japan from October 22 to 23, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan, in Japan’s capacity as the President of the 22nd Meeting of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention).
Through his address, His Excellency the Senior Minister, on behalf of Samdech Thipadei the Prime Minister, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for organizing this important conference and for playing a significant role in global humanitarian mine action, as well as for its involvement in humanitarian mine action in Cambodia for many years. This involvement has helped reduce the dangers posed by mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), provided safe land to communities, and restored the hope and dignity of the people.
His Excellency Dr. also informed the conference that Cambodia has suffered severely from mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). However, under the visionary leadership and strong commitment of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister, and continued by the current Prime Minister, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, mine clearance has always been considered the core heart of national development. Cambodia has transformed into a leading country in global mine action, turning contaminated land into safe land for living and development, and has shared its experience and expertise with countries worldwide, including Ukraine, to contribute to achieving peace and stability globally.
His Excellency stated that mine action is not merely about clearing mines, but also about creating new opportunities for reconstruction, agriculture, education, and sustainable development. He emphasized that Cambodia's participation and sharing arises from its clear understanding of the suffering and pain caused by mines and explosive remnants of war, and its desire not to see any country or nation suffer from this savage weapon. Furthermore, Cambodia's involvement in global mine action adheres strictly to humanitarian principles and is non-political.
The Senior Minister stated that even though Cambodia concluded its role as the President of the Ottawa Convention in 2024, Cambodia remains proud to have led the organization and launch of the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan 2025–2029, which serves as a global mine action roadmap. Cambodia continues to be committed to supporting global mine action through providing technical assistance, capacity building, participating in UN peacekeeping missions, and supporting affected communities.