Phnom Penh – The Norwegian government has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to supporting Cambodia’s mine clearance operations, announcing a grant of USD 1.2 million to be provided over three years from 2025 to 2027.
The announcement was made during a meeting between Senior Minister Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), and Norwegian Ambassador Astrid Emilie Helle.
According to a CMAA press release, Senior Minister Thuch expressed deep appreciation for Norway’s continued partnership, describing the Nordic nation not merely as a donor but as a true friend and partner to Cambodia for more than three decades. He highlighted that Norway has consistently supported Cambodia’s success in mine clearance, explosive remnants of war (ERW) management, capacity building, data management, and research. The country has also played a vital role in helping Cambodia chair and host the 2024 Siem Reap–Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World.
Thuch emphasized that the Cambodian government, through collaboration with friendly nations, development partners, and mine clearance organizations, has successfully liberated tens of thousands of hectares of land from mines and ERWs — turning former conflict zones into areas of development and opportunity. Among these partners, Norway stands out as one of Cambodia’s most consistent and prominent supporters.
He further reassured Ambassador Helle that Prime Minister Hun Manet is committed to maintaining peace along the Cambodia–Thailand border, emphasizing that the government’s vision is to transform the area into a “zone of peace.”
Ambassador Helle commended Cambodia’s achievements in the mine action sector and its leadership during the 2024 Siem Reap–Angkor Summit under the Ottawa Convention. She reiterated Norway’s dedication to supporting Cambodia until it achieves its goal of becoming free from the impacts of mines and explosive remnants of war.
The CMAA noted that the Norwegian ambassador also conveyed condolences regarding the recent clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand border, which resulted in casualties and displacement of families. She expressed hope for peace and stability in the border regions, underscoring Norway’s continued solidarity with Cambodia in its humanitarian and peace-building efforts.
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