PHNOM PENH: The First Deputy Chairman of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), Senior Minister Ly Thuch, stated that Australia was one of the main supporters of the Cambodian peace process in the late 1980s and early 1990s, playing a leading role during the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) mission by sending several peacekeepers led by Lt. Gen. John Sanderson, the then-Commander-in-Chief of the Army.
Speaking at a photo exhibition commemorating the 30th anniversary of Australia's role under the UNTAC, which included former UNTAC Commander Lt. Gen. John Sanderson representing the Australian Government, the Senior Minister said Australia continues to support Cambodia's stability and rehabilitation under a major humanitarian assistance program, which includes demining assistance.
He added that since 1994, Australia has made significant contributions to the mine action sector in Cambodia, saving many lives from landmine casualties and providing security to rural communities for better livelihoods, which contributes to the proud achievements of the current day.
Today, Cambodia has become a leader in the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance, internationally recognized and appreciated under the auspices of both the country and the United Nations for this work.
Senior Minister Ly Thuch further stated that since 2006, Cambodia has sent 7,899 peacekeepers to serve under the United Nations peacekeeping mission in many countries specializing in demining and Engineering.
"This is a remarkable achievement that allows the Cambodian flag to stand among the flags of other countries that have sent troops to the same UN peacekeeping mission. [A much different image] looking back to 30 years ago, where Cambodia had accepted UN forces to maintain peacekeeping operations in this gloomy territory full of conflict and confrontation," he said.
He added that this year also marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Australia. Over the past 70 years, the two countries have maintained close ties, exchanged high-level visits and strengthened cooperation in all fields, including trade, investment, agriculture, education, demining, healthcare and people-to-people contacts.
