Cambodian Prime Minister marked the 25th anniversary of National Mine Awareness Day on Feb. 24 with a message urging for the public vigilance and a joint effort to make the country free of landmines by 2025. To his fellow Cambodians, particularly those living in areas with remaining landmines and unexploded ordnance, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet listed the minimum dos and don'ts for them and reminded them to continue to be vigilant for potential dangers. In the open letter, he also reaffirmed the continuation of demining activities as a priority of the Royal Government of Cambodia under his leadership. Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet called on all direct and indirect concerned authorities to work closely together and encouraged development partners as well as the private sector to further contribute to the work, ranging from demining activities to supporting the victims and building public awareness. As many as 4.320 people were the victims of landmines and unexploded explosives in 1996, and the num ber was brought down to 32 in 2023. Between 1992 and 2023, the land surface of 3,024 square kilometres was rid of the war remains, repurposing 76 percent for agricultural activities, 5 percent for basic infrastructure, and the remaining 19 percent for houses, schools, health centres, etc. to benefit 11,980,172 people. He recalled that in 2022, former Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen initiated an anti-landmine campaign 'Providing Safe Land, Creating Smiles' along with a fund mobilisation effort to achieve a mine-free Cambodia by 2025. With the solid commitment, 14 capital and provinces of Cambodia have now been declared mine-free; they are, Phnom Penh, Stung Treng, Kep, Prey Veng, Preah Sihanouk, Kandal, Svay Rieng, Takeo, Kampot, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham, Thbong Khmum, Kampong Speu, and Mondulkiri. According to Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, there remains a total land surface of 1,854 square kilometres to be cleared of landmines and explosive remnants of war in Cambo dia. Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse