Svay rieng: A senior Cambodian official on Wednesday commended China's ongoing support as a crucial factor in building a Cambodia-China community with a shared future, during an event marking the completion of a joint mine action project.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), expressed these sentiments at a closing ceremony for the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Mine Action Project in Svay Rieng province's Romeas Hek district. The event saw participation from Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Wang Wenbin, Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary H.E. Kan Pharith, Svay Rieng Provincial Governor H.E. Peng Posa, and H.E. Sem Ratana, Acting Director-General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces.

"Peace is the foundation of development, and mine action is a crucial humanitarian mission to protect lives and transform war-torn land into safe areas for living and development," H.E. Ly Thuch stated. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the Royal Government of Cambodia continues to prioritize peace, security, and public well-being, aiming to ensure all citizens can live without the fear of landmines and explosive remnants of war, the Senior Minister added.

H.E. Ly Thuch highlighted that the China-backed MLC project successfully cleared more than 3 million square metres of contaminated land, returning it safe for agricultural use and local development, while also enhancing mine-risk education in the community. He expressed gratitude to China, noting that China's sustained assistance reflects the "ironclad friendship" and historic ties between the two nations, serving as a catalyst for regional peace and development.