Japan-Cambodia Relations
Foreign Minister Kamikawa visits to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC)
July 6, 2024
On 6 July from 2:40 p.m. local time (4:40 p.m. JST) for about 70 minutes, H.E. Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) during her visit to Cambodia, and announced “Japan ’ s Comprehensive Package of Assistance to Humanitarian Mine Action” and the launch of “Japan-Cambodia Landmine Initiative.”
- Minister KAMIKAWA was briefed by H.E. Mr. Heng Ratana, Director General of the CMAC, on its more than 30 years of humanitarian mine action in Cambodia. The Minister was also explained that 20 % of CMAC staff members are women which shows CMAC efforts from the perspective of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). Minister KAMIKAWA expressed her respect for their efforts and stated that Japan also aims to work in each of the phases of humanitarian mine action, bearing in mind the WPS perspective. The Minister then observed a demonstration of demining activity by members of the CMAC, using the equipment provided by the Japanese Government.
- Taking the opportunity of this visit, Minister KAMIKAWA announced “Japan’s Comprehensive Package of Assistance to Humanitarian Mine Action” as Japan’s vision for its assistance to humanitarian mine action around the world. Under this package, Japan will implement assistance to humanitarian action based on the following approaches:
(1)Triangular cooperation with Cambodia as a hub.
(2)Strengthening cooperation with like-minded countries and international organizations.
(3)Utilization of the latest science, technology and innovation. - Furthermore, Minister Kamikawa announced the launch of “Japan-Cambodia Landmine Initiative” in order to embody the above-mentioned comprehensive package in cooperation with Cambodia. Under this initiative, Japan will strengthen cooperation under the following four pillars: (1) raise awareness of the inhumanity of landmines and build international momentum for mine reduction, (2) creation in the relevant Cambodian organization of an international cooperation team for a world free from landmines, (3) Japan-Cambodia cooperation to support humanitarian mine action in third countries and (4) development of equipment using the latest technologies.
