Phnom Penh (VNA) – Cambodian Senior Minister and First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) Ly Thuch has affirmed that hosting the 5th Review Conference of the International Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on Their Destruction (Ottawa Convention), also known as the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit, is not only a privilege but also a responsibility that Cambodia holds in high regard.

Addressing a press conference in Phnom Penh on November 20, Ly Thuch said that Cambodia's unique history makes the country the ideal host for this conference.

As one of the countries with the highest number of landmines in the world, Cambodia has witnessed first-hand the devastation caused by these weapons. Through international cooperation and tireless efforts, the country has cleared millions of landmines and provided comprehensive support for survivors. Cambodia is an example of what can be achieved through collective action, determination, and hope, he stated.

The Cambodian official said that the upcoming Siem Reap-Angkor Summit, which will be held from November 25-29 under the theme “World Without Mines”, will bring together officials from 164 countries to assess the progress of the Ottawa Convention, address challenges, and lay the foundation for a mine-free world.

The event will review the activities and status of the convention, make decisions on the reports of member states concerning their obligations under Article 5 of the convention. The doctrine outlines the task of mine clearance, identifying needs, and scheduling future meetings to ensure continued accountability and momentum, as well as adopting key documents to guide member states in effectively implementing the convention.

It will focus on adopting three transformative documents - the Evaluation Report, the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan (2025-2029), and the Siem Reap-Angkor Political Declaration.

Ly Thuch emphasised that the outcome of this conference will shape the future of global mine action. The adoption of the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan will provide a solid framework for accelerating progress, building on the successes of previous action plans, while addressing new practical challenges.

He believed that with joint efforts, significant strides will be made toward achieving the dream of a landmine-free world by 2029./.