Cambodia welcomes Chinese support for mine clearance in border areas
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has expressed its gratitude to China for offering humanitarian assistance, including mine clearance support, along the agreed border areas between Cambodia and Thailand.
'For Cambodia, this demining can begin immediately in the demarcated areas and in the non-disputed areas along the border line,' said government officials.
Officials explained that the efforts will help ensure the safety of local communities and facilitate stability in the region.
In areas where border demarcation has not yet been finalised, Cambodia highlighted the importance of fully implementing the current ceasefire measures agreed with Thailand.
Cambodia noted that adherence to the ceasefire and continued humanitarian efforts are crucial steps toward peace and stability along the borders, as well as the normalisation of relations between the two neighbouring kingdoms.
'China's support for mine clearance demonstrates a constructive role in promoting peace and safety along our borders,' Cambodian officials stated, underlining the significance of international cooperation in the humanitarian field.
They reported that China's support for landmine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) clearance in Cambodia has benefited over 2.5 million people.
Under the ongoing China-aided Cambodia Landmines Elimination Project, more than 150 square kilometres of contaminated land have been cleared, with 82,844 landmines and UXOs destroyed between 2018 and 2024, according to Heng Ratana, director of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC).
CMAC forces inspect an unexploded MK-84 bomb dropped by a Thai F-16 in Thma Doun village, Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province. CMAC
'One landmine can destroy a whole family, so the support from China has saved many lives in Cambodia,' said Ly Thuch, vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA).
The cleared land is now safe for farmers, children, and communities to build homes, schools and temples.
Cambodia aims to fully eliminate all landmines and ERWs by 2030, after decades of conflict left millions of explosives across the country. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
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