Phnom penh: Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC), H.E. Chum Sounry, has strongly rejected Thailand's repeated accusations regarding the planting of new landmines along the border. Speaking at a press briefing this afternoon, H.E. Chum Sounry stressed that Cambodia is firmly committed to mine clearance and has long been an active member of the international community in the fight against the use of such weapons.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, he highlighted Cambodia's significant achievements in mine clearance operations across the country, as well as its meaningful contribution to international peacekeeping missions under the United Nations umbrella. At the same time, the spokesperson called on the international community to support ASEAN mechanisms for ceasefire monitoring, underlining that allegations should give way to cooperation in demining. He reaffirmed Cambodia's adherence to the Ottawa Convention, the leadership role of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC), and the country's contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.
Reiterating Cambodia's unwavering commitment to the ceasefire agreement and to good neighbourliness, H.E. Chum Sounry underlined that Cambodia consistently pursues peace and seeks to resolve border issues through bilateral mechanisms and the ASEAN framework. '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 heightening tensions through accusations,' he said.
He further stressed that both countries should work together to build trust, ease tensions, and promote cooperation.