Prak Sokhonn Reaffirms Cambodia’s Mine Ban Treaty Obligations

BATTAMBANG, May 19, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on Monday reaffirmed the country’s commitment to mine clearance and its obligations under the Ottawa Convention, the international treaty banning anti‑personnel mines, as he launched a new Japanese‑funded demining project phase in Battambang Province.

The ceremony at the CMAC Morodok Techo Development Centre in Koas Kralor District also marked the handover of achievements from the second phase of the Project for Integrated Mine Clearance and Landmine Victim Assistance. Japan’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Ueno Atsushi, joined the event.

Prak Sokhonn, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said Cambodia remained one of the countries most heavily affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance after decades of conflict.

He stressed the government’s determination to meet its treaty obligations and highlighted Cambodia’s contribution to UN peacekeeping missions through the deployment of mine clearance and ordnance disposal teams abroad.

He expressed gratitude to international partners and donors supporting mine action efforts, including Japan, China, the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, the European Union, Germany, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

He also thanked partner organisations such as UNDP, NPA, JICA, APOPO, Golden West and the Japan Mine Action Service.

The Japanese‑funded project supports mine clearance operations and victim assistance across affected provinces.

Officials said the initiative reflects Cambodia’s long‑term commitment to eliminating landmines, restoring safe livelihoods for communities and strengthening international cooperation in mine action.