Phnom penh: Cambodia has reaffirmed its support for the humanitarian objectives of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), expressing solid backing for Laos as it prepares to host the upcoming treaty conference. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Senior Minister H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, who serves as the First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), made the announcement on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia. This declaration was made during bilateral discussions with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Thongsavan Phomvihane on September 13 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane. H.E. Phomvihane is also the President of the 3rd Review Conference of the CCM. During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch expressed gratitude to Laos for hosting and presiding over the 3rd Review Conference, reaffirming Cambodia's support for Laos' efforts to forward international humanitarian causes. He emphasized the longstanding diplomatic ties an d traditional friendship between the two neighboring countries, commending the Lao government's achievements in addressing explosive remnants of war (ERW), specifically cluster submunitions. He highlighted that Cambodia has cleared more than 3,500 square kilometers of landmines and ERW over the past thirty years. These efforts have not only saved countless lives but have also liberated land for socio-economic development, fostering safer communities across the nation. Although Cambodia is not a state party to the CCM and holds observer status, H.E. Senior Minister stated that the country remains actively involved in supporting the convention's humanitarian mission. Cambodia has cleared significant areas of cluster bomb remnants but still faces over 600 square kilometers of cluster-munition-contaminated land requiring further clearance. Additionally, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch voiced concerns about new humanitarian challenges arising from the 2025 Thai invasions. Explosive ordnance from these incursions has affected nearly 4,000 square kilometers of land, with approximately 3,000 square kilometers impacted by cluster munitions. This evolving situation has increased the burden on Cambodia's war legacy clearance efforts, highlighting the need for greater international cooperation and technical support. H.E. Thongsavan Phomvihane, in response, expressed appreciation for Cambodia's high-level delegation to the conference, underscoring the robust bilateral relations between the two nations as neighbors and fellow ASEAN members. He also emphasized the significance of ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing between Laos and Cambodia in tackling legacy unexploded ordnance (UXO), particularly cluster munitions remnants from the Vietnam War era.