Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Hun Sen asks for China’s support to achieve 2025 mine-free target

Hun Sen asks for China’s support to achieve 2025 mine-free target

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Prime Minister Hun Sen (right) speaks with Chinese ambassador Wang Wentian while presiding over a ceremony marking the official start of a revamp for National Road 41, in Kandal province on December 26. SPM

Hun Sen asks for China’s support to achieve 2025 mine-free target

Prime Minister Hun Sen requested demining aid from the Chinese military to help the Kingdom meet its ambitious goal of a mine-free Cambodia 2025. He said accelerating mine action would help prevent further casualties and would provide more safe ground for the people of Cambodia.

“I want to accelerate the clearance of the remaining mines. When I met with the Chinese Minister of Defence, I not only requested demining aid, but suggested that he deploy Chinese military personnel to support our deminers as they work to make the Kingdom mine-free by 2025,” he said, while presiding over a December 26 ceremony marking the official start of an upgrade of National Road 41, in Kampot province.

“This will avoid further unnecessary casualties among our people and will provide safe ground for them to cultivate crops,” he added.

Hun Sen recalled one of the main goals he had set himself following his win-win policy. He would turn former battle fields into developed zones and ensure that the border areas of the Kingdom would be places of peace, cooperation and development.

“I consider my first goal – turning battlefields into developed zones – 95 per cent complete. The areas that needed to be cleared of landmines by 2025 represent the remaining 5 per cent,” he said.

Hun Sen added that this is in line with his party’s strategy policy 2023-2028. In January, the Cambodian People’s Party will hold a congress to approve several policies for its next mandate.

Regarding the transformation of border areas, he felt this had been largely achieved. The once densely mined battle fields of these parts of the Kingdom were now largely places where goods were traded between countries, he added.

Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), said China has been contributing to mine clearance in Cambodia for many years. He hoped it would continue to provide its support, so the Kingdom could accomplish Hun Sen’s vision of a mine-free Cambodia by 2025.

“China has previously supported us through financial assistance, training, and equipment. For that, we thank them. On behalf of the more than 1 million people living in areas still infected with explosive remnants of war, we thank the prime minister for his request. We are pleased that he has requested China’s help with mine action,” he added.

According to the CMAA, since work began in 1992, a total of 124.7sq km has been cleared of landmines and UXOs. A total of 84,188 landmines, 32,171 cluster bombs, and other 288,049 other explosive remnants have been found and destroyed, benefiting more than two million people.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the