Phnom penh: The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and the Embassy of India in Cambodia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 27 to implement a Quick Impact Project for mine clearance in Pursat province. The MoU was inked by H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and CMAA First Vice-President, and Indian Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, at the Ambassador's Residence in Phnom Penh. The project will be carried out in Mul village, Rokat commune, Phnom Kravanh district, Pursat province.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch highlighted the long-standing friendship between Cambodia and India during the signing ceremony. He noted that bilateral ties have continued to strengthen through practical cooperation, including humanitarian mine action. The partnership has helped transform hazardous, mine-contaminated land into safe and productive areas for local communities. The Senior Minister expressed his appreciation to the Government and people of India for their continued support to Cambodia's mine action sector.
India's assistance to Cambodia began with a mine clearance project in Botum Sakor district, Koh Kong province, and later expanded to Mondul Seima district of the same province. The efforts have now reached Pursat province, restoring safe land for communities and contributing to local socio-economic development. H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch emphasized that India's support extends beyond mine clearance through the India for Humanity initiative, which has provided prosthetic limbs to 650 Cambodian mine survivors, aiding in restoring their mobility, dignity, and hope.
The project in Mul village will secure more than 16 hectares of land, allowing local residents to safely use the land for agriculture, livelihoods, and future development. H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch noted that the project supports the Royal Government's vision of achieving a mine impact-free Cambodia by 2030 and reflects its commitment to prioritizing humanitarian mine action as a key driver of national development and the well-being of the Cambodian people.