Phnom Penh, March 25, 2024 – Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia extended an invitation to Laos’s Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone this afternoon, encouraging his attendance at the upcoming Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World. This significant event, aimed at fostering a global consensus on mine clearance, is scheduled to take place in November later this year.

The invitation was announced during a joint press conference held by the two leaders following their summit in Vientiane, marking a key moment in Hun Manet’s two-day official visit to Laos. “I have invited Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to attend the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World to be held in November this year,” Hun Manet stated.

Ly Thuch, First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), previously noted that the summit expects to welcome delegations from nearly 200 countries and territories. The event underscores Cambodia's pivotal role on the international stage, having been elected by the 164 State Parties to chair and host the 5th Review Conference of the Ottawa Treaty. The treaty focuses on the prohibition of the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines and on their destruction, aiming for a mine-free world.

Thuch emphasized the Ottawa Treaty’s importance in not only facilitating mine and ammunition clearance but also in safeguarding lives against the threats posed by explosive remnants of war (ERW). He also highlighted Cambodia’s lauded achievements in mine clearance and peace-building efforts, which have significantly contributed to the nation's development and well-being.

The upcoming Siem Reap-Angkor Summit represents a critical juncture in the global effort to eradicate landmines, with Cambodia poised to lead the charge towards achieving a safer, mine-free world.