Phnom penh: The commitment was announced during a meeting between H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), and H.E. Ms. Astrid Emilie Helle, Norwegian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, held at the CMAA headquarters in Phnom Penh on Oct. 6.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch highly appreciated Norway’s continued support, describing the country not only as a donor but also as a true partner of Cambodia for more than three decades. He noted that Norway has stood by Cambodia in successfully addressing the challenges of mines and explosive remnants of war, including mine clearance, data management, capacity building, and research. He also expressed gratitude for Norway’s support of Cambodia as Chair and Host of the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World in November last year.

The Senior Minister further highlighted the achievements and efforts of the Royal Government of Cambodia in mine action, with tens of thousands of hectares of land cleared of landmines and explosive remnants of war-efforts made possible through the contributions of friendly countries, development partners, mine clearance operators, and other stakeholders, with Norway being a prominent and longstanding partner.

H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch reaffirmed the Royal Government’s strong commitment to achieving a Cambodia free of mines and explosive remnants of war. He underlined that Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has always given high priority to mine action, considering it a vital part of the country’s humanitarian and development efforts.

For her part, H.E. Ms. Astrid Emilie Helle expressed appreciation for the long-standing partnership and cooperation with the Royal Government of Cambodia. She commended Cambodia’s notable achievements in mine action and its success in chairing and hosting the 2024 Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World under the Ottawa Convention. The Ambassador affirmed that Norway will continue to support Cambodia until it reaches its goal of being free from landmines and explosive remnants of war.

At the same time, H.E. Ms. Astrid Emilie Helle expressed her regret over the difficult consequences of the recent conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, which resulted in deaths, injuries, and the displacement of tens of thousands of families. She conveyed her wish for peace along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

In response, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch reiterated Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to transforming the border area into a zone of peace.