4:00 PM, August 25, 2025
Keynote Address by H.E. Chum Sounry, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC):
1. In the spirit of building trust and de-escalation, I would like to make the following clarifications on Thailand’s recent allegations of laying new landmines:
– His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during a diplomatic briefing held at the Ministry on 21 August 2025 categorically rejected Thailand’s allegation of laying new landmines. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s full compliance with the Ottawa Convention, to which it has been a State Party since 2000, and underscores that Cambodia has never authorized the laying of new mines.
– The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperationwishes to reiterate that Cambodia’s objective is to ensure the safety of civilians, to advance humanitarian mine clearance, and to uphold peace and stability along the common border.
– The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperationunderlines that Cambodia remains deeply committed to the ceasefire agreement and the spirit of good neighborliness, consistently pursuing peaceful means to address border issues through bilateral mechanisms and ASEAN frameworks. Instead of spreading accusations that risk heightening tension, the two countries should work together to promote confidence-building, de-escalation, and cooperation. Cambodia stands ready to continue dialogue with Thailand in the spirit of mutual respect and international law.
2. Facing Thailand’s diplomatic campaign in using “new landmines and Ottawa Convention” against Cambodia, I would like to highlight the following key points:
(1). Cambodia’s Leadership in Mine Action and Ottawa Convention
– On Mine Clearance Achievements: Cambodia has cleared more than 3,500 sq. km of contaminated areas and destroyed over 4 million explosive devices, including 1.2 million antipersonnel landmines left from Cambodia’s civil war in 1970s and 1980s.
– On International Recognition:
• Cambodia has been commended by the international community and UN officials as a global model for mine clearance at the 5th Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty held in Siem Reap Province in November 2024.
– On Ottawa Convention Commitment:
• Cambodia has never planted new mines, upholds the Convention in both letter and spirit, and contributes to its global implementation.
• Cambodia hosted the 5th Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty in Siem Reap Province in November 2024.
(2). Cambodia’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping
– Cambodia has deployed over 8,000 Cambodian military personnel, including deminers to UN Peacekeeping Missions since 2006.
– Cambodia was commended by the UN Secretary-General for its steady, reliable contributions to UN Peacekeeping.
(3). Cambodia’s Role in the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC)
– Cambodia has proudly hosted ARMAC’s headquarter in Phnom Penh since 2016. We have fully funded ARMAC’s operational budget during 2017–2018, ensuring its early functioning.
– Cambodia has also hosted ARMAC’s Enhance Victim Assistance Program (2021–2025).
(4). Cambodia calls on international community to:
– Support ASEAN mechanisms to ensure ceasefire monitoring.
– Reject fabricated allegations and focus on cooperative demining.
– Recognize Cambodia’s achievements in mine clearance, Ottawa Convention adherence, ARMAC leadership, and UN peacekeeping.
(5). Cambodia’s Message:
– The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperationunderlines again that Cambodia remains deeply committed to the ceasefire agreement and the spirit of good neighborliness, consistently pursuing peaceful means to address border issues through bilateral mechanisms and ASEAN frameworks.
– Cambodia’s goal is to transform the border into a zone of peace, stability, and shared prosperity for the benefit of both nations and the wider region.
– Instead of spreading accusations that risk heightening tension, the two countries should work together to promote confidence-building, de-escalation, and cooperation.
