CMAA first vice-president Ly Thuch (right) receiving demining equipment aid from Chinese ambassador Wang Wenbin on Jan 8. - CMAA
PHNOM PENH: China has provided aid valued at US$400,000 to the Cambodian demining sector. The aid was presented to the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) on Thursday (Jan 8). Cambodia also expressed gratitude to China for contributing to the ceasefire at the end of December.
The handover ceremony was presided over by Senior Minister Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the CMAA and Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin.
According to Thuch, the aid includes metal detectors, as well as equipment and vehicles, with a total value of $425,000.
“These are not merely tools for operation, but tools for protection, providing hope and transforming human lives. These tools will ensure the safety and efficiency of our deminers as they continue the noble mission of liberating Cambodian land from the cruel legacy of war,” he said.
Thuch expressed his deep gratitude to the kingdom’s Chinese friends, who are continuing to support the mine action sector in Cambodia. Besides materials and equipment, China has supported the sector with funds, technical expertise, capacity development, mine risk education, and assistance for victims of mines and explosive remnants of war.
“Through this support, countless lives have been protected, communities have been restored and survivors have been empowered to rebuild their futures with dignity,” he said.
He also thanked China for playing an indispensable key role in pushing for the implementation of the ceasefire and achieving a lasting peace between Cambodia and Thailand through a meeting at Fuxian Lake, in China’s Yunnan province.
He noted that China's commitment to helping to sustain dialogue, restore cooperation and provide humanitarian aid to affected communities in the border regions. Thuch described the assistance as demonstrating China’s important role in protecting peace and stability in the region.
Recently, China provided aid of 20 million Yuan, equivalent to approximately $2.8 million, to assist Cambodian war refugees fleeing Thai aggression.
“As the Chinese proverb says, true friends are like pure gold; it does not change even after being refined many times. I believe that through our common vision and joint efforts, the strong friendship between Cambodia and China will continue to shine forever,” said Thuch. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
