Phnom penh: The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has made a formal request to the Japanese Government to sustain its vital support in mine action efforts. This request is specifically aimed at securing funding for Cambodia’s five-year mine clearance strategy, which is crucial for extending the Ottawa Treaty deadline to 2030.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Heng Ratana, Delegate of the Royal Government and CMAC Director General, articulated this appeal during a visit by H.E. Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to the CMAC headquarters in Phnom Penh. During the meeting, H.E. Heng Ratana expressed his deep gratitude for Dr. Tanaka’s visit and provided insights into Cambodia’s war-torn history, the enduring impact of landmines and unexploded ordnance, as well as the nation’s efforts in post-conflict peacebuilding and reconstruction. He also highlighted CMAC’s extensive experience in mine and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) clearance operations throughout the country.
H.E. Heng Ratana conveyed sincere thanks on behalf of CMAC to the Government and people of Japan, particularly acknowledging the leadership of JICA, for their steadfast support of Cambodia’s mine action sector. This support has included funding for CMAC’s training facility in Kampong Chhnang province and the Techo Peace Museum in Siem Reap province. Over the past 27 years, JICA has provided considerable assistance to Cambodia’s mine action initiatives, including more than 50 heavy demining machines and various other demining equipment.
In response, Dr. Tanaka commended CMAC’s consistent efforts as Cambodia’s foremost demining institution. He emphasized CMAC’s notable contributions to global peacebuilding by sharing its technical knowledge with other nations affected by war. Dr. Tanaka also praised Cambodia’s establishment of the Techo Peace Museum, supported by the Japanese Government, to educate future generations about the war’s legacy and the significance of peace through mine and ERW clearance.
Highlighting technological collaboration, the JICA President mentioned the joint efforts between CMAC and Japanese experts in researching and applying cutting-edge mine clearance technologies, such as the ALIS mine detection system and artificial intelligence. He reaffirmed JICA’s dedication to ongoing cooperation to implement innovative technologies for clearing mine and ERW-contaminated regions, thereby enhancing community safety and promoting socio-economic development.
Dr. Tanaka concluded by expressing his admiration for Cambodia’s impressive development over the past decade, pointing to new infrastructure developments like international airports and other major facilities.