Tbong Khmum: Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Lt. Gen. Hun Manet, stated that achieving the Cambodian Vision for Mine Free by 2025, we require the participation of all relevant partners to support this work and be keeping the peace.

Speaking at the celebration of the declaration of "Tbong Khmum Province No Mines" on December 14, 2022, Lt. Gen. Hun Manet said that the contribution of all national and international, especially the people with the government will need to help speed up demining in Cambodia, while maintaining peace it will be stopping new mines to be put into the Cambodia soil.

"Ending the war and achieving peace means that Cambodians have stopped using weapons to destroy each other, and peace has provided opportunities for Cambodians to unite and to clear mines and all unexploded ordnance, which are the remnants of war in the past," he said. "A smile comes when a family lives together and is able to support each other in a peaceful way, and if there is a breakup, there is only sorrow."

Lt-Gen Hun Manet also said that the clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance over the past 30 years has been a great achievement, clearing thousands of square kilometers and destroying more than one million mines. These are not just numerical values but practical actions that has been provided security to the people as well as the liberation of land and to become a resource for the future development of the nation.

However, although the number of landmines and unexploded ordnance is declining, the small amount remaining is a serious concern and, could lead to further tragedy if not taken care of quickly.

Lt-Gen Hun Manet urges we all should work together to continue to solve the problem step by step, starting from a village, a commune, a district and a province until all mines are, cleared across the country in line with the vision of 2025.

Lt-Gen Hun Manet expressed his interests in demining from Tbong Khmum province, which means that Cambodia is another step closer to be demined throughout the country, in line with the vision and commitment of Prime Minister Hun Sen for the year 2025.

He said: "Cambodia mine free also means: Firstly, the Cambodian people will no longer have to worry about being injured, disabled or dying due to landmines. Secondly farmland will be free from landmines, which are hidden killers waiting to cause harm and as an obstacle to increase the livelihood of the people."