Phnom penh: Cambodia remains committed to ensuring no one continues to suffer from landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), Senior Minister H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch said on Tuesday, reaffirming Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet's zero-tolerance policy toward new mine victims.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch spoke at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and Mayaguez Memorial VFW Post 11575. As the First Vice President of CMAA, he emphasized that mine action and victim assistance remain a national priority.

The agreement, signed at CMAA headquarters in Phnom Penh, aims to strengthen support for survivors of landmines and ERW. It was inked by CMAA Secretary-General Ly Panharith and Mr. Gary Kidd, representing the U.S.-based Mayaguez Memorial VFW Post 11575.

Cambodia is among the countries most heavily affected by landmines, a legacy of decades of conflict that has killed and injured thousands and hampered rural development.

H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch said the Royal Government's policy focuses on preventing further casualties while placing survivors at the centre of assistance efforts, including medical care, rehabilitation, and livelihood support.

He added that activities under the agreement would align with Cambodia's national mine action framework and ensure accountability, while thanking the Mayaguez Memorial VFW Post 11575 for its support toward the country's goal of becoming mine-free.