CMAA first vice-president Ly Thuch and Indian ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung attend a June 10 ceremony to declare Koh Kong’s Srae Ambel district mine-free. CMAA
Srae Ambel District in Koh Kong Province was declared mine-free in a June 10 ceremony, with mine clearance efforts supported by assistance from the Government of India.
Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of India. He noted that it has contributed to providing safe land and improving the livelihoods of local communities.
“This support demonstrates further progress in strengthening and expanding the bonds of friendship and long-term cooperation between Cambodia and India, contributing to Cambodia’s development and supporting the Royal Government’s efforts in mine clearance,” he said.
He added that mine clearance is a critical task. He noted that it has been prioritised by Prime Minister Hun Manet, to ensure the safety of all Cambodians in utilising land, promoting peace and eliminating threats from mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), as evidenced by the case of Koh Kong Province.
According to Thuch, the Kingdom still requires significant time and resources to address remaining challenges, particularly support from friendly nations and development partners, including India, to achieve the vision of a Cambodia free from the impacts of mines and ERW.
Indian ambassador to Cambodia Vanlalvawna Bawitlung also addressed the declaration ceremony. He shared his pride in India’s contribution to these efforts, which have now resulted in two districts in Koh Kong Province being declared mine-free through Cambodia-India cooperation. The first district was Botum Sakor, which was declared mine-free in late April.
He noted that mine clearance not only eliminates threats from mines and ERW but also enhances safety and human dignity.
“The Government of India will continue to support and cooperate with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s efforts in mine clearance and victim assistance for those affected by mines and other explosive ordnance, until Cambodia achieves its goal of becoming a mine-free nation,” he said.
