PHNOM PENH, April 22, 2024 — Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed Cambodia's ongoing dedication to the Ottawa Convention, which mandates the prohibition of the use, storage, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. The Prime Minister voiced this commitment during his speech at the opening ceremony of the 80th Annual Meeting of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia-Pacific (ESCAP), held this morning in Bangkok under the theme “Using Digital Innovation for Comprehensive and Sustainable Development in Asia-Pacific.”

Serving as the chair for this year's Ottawa Convention, Cambodia is set to host the 5th Review Meeting themed 'Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World' from November 25-29, 2024. During his address, the Prime Minister urged international cooperation to eliminate these dangerous weapons and called for robust participation in the upcoming summit. He also expressed gratitude towards ESCAP for its support in drafting Cambodia’s national mine action policy, marking the first involvement of the ESCAP in mine-related efforts.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the significant challenges that landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) present to Cambodia’s development, particularly in terms of narrowing the digital divide and enhancing access to quality internet services. Acknowledging the critical nature of this issue, mine action has been integrated as the 18th goal in Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goals.