Phnom Penh:Germany has been instrumental in clearing over 58 square kilometres of landmines in Cambodia since 1993, benefiting approximately 500,000 people, stated H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA).

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Dr. Ly Thuch made these remarks during a meeting with H.E. Ms. Silke Röfer, the new Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Cambodia, at the CMAA headquarters. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian mine action and the clearance of explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Cambodia.

Dr. Ly Thuch expressed gratitude towards Germany, highlighting its role as a long-term development partner in reducing landmine risks and enhancing safety for Cambodian communities. He noted that Germany's assistance has led to the clearance of significant land areas and the destruction of numerous mines and explosive remnants, positively impacting half a million people.

Additionally, Dr. Ly Thuch acknowledged Germany's support for Cambodia's upcoming role as host of the Fifth Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in 2024. He emphasized that this partnership has fostered progress in mine clearance and improved development prospects for Cambodia.

Ambassador Röfer praised Cambodia's achievements in mine clearance and reiterated Germany’s commitment to supporting these efforts. She also showed interest in community-based education programs to raise awareness about mine risks, complementing clearance operations and helping protect affected communities.