Cambodia, Croatia Push Mine Action Cooperation and Innovation Toward a Mine-Free World

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 19, 2026: Cambodia and Croatia have pledged to strengthen cooperation on mine action and innovation, aiming to free Cambodia from the impact of explosive remnants of war and continue building a safer world.

H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority, and H.E. Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, led a Cambodia-Croatia dialogue on innovation and mine action cooperation at the CMAA headquarters in Phnom Penh, with representatives of diplomatic missions, development partners, mine action operators and relevant parties attending.

On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, H.E. Ly Thuch congratulated Croatia on completing its mine clearance obligations under the Ottawa Convention after 31 years of effort and the destruction of about 107,000 mines — valuable experience for countries still carrying out this mission.

The Senior Minister noted that since 1992, Cambodia has cleared more than 3,500 square kilometres of land contaminated by mines and explosive remnants of war and destroyed more than 4 million mines and explosive devices. Despite encountering newly discovered explosive remnants in border areas, Cambodia remains committed to achieving its goal of being free from the impact of explosive remnants of war by 2035.

He stressed that technology — including drones, satellite imagery, modern sensors and artificial intelligence — plays an important role in boosting the efficiency of clearance work. However, the core factor for success remains people: deminers, risk education officers, victim assistance workers and strong institutions. Croatia's experience in completing clearance work would offer valuable lessons for Cambodia, particularly in addressing the final challenging areas and continuing long-term support for victims.

H.E. Ly Thuch said Cambodia has strong national experience and capacity in mine action and has contributed to United Nations peacekeeping missions and the testing of new technologies in real conditions. Cambodia stands ready to share its experience and learn from Croatia to promote mutually beneficial cooperation.

He thanked the Croatian delegation and all participants for openly sharing knowledge and experience, and urged both sides to turn that knowledge into concrete joint action, including the exchange of trainers, joint visits to clearance sites and strengthened assistance to victims.

In closing, H.E. Ly Thuch expressed hope that Cambodia and Croatia would continue working together to build a safer world, ensuring that future generations can live and grow on safe land, free from the threat of the remnants of war.

Source: H.E. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority

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Reported by The Khmer Today