This initiative was revealed by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa.
Key Points:
Joint Demining Initiative: Japan and Cambodia will cooperate to exchange demining expertise with Ukraine, leveraging Cambodia's extensive experience in clearing landmines.
Training and Equipment: Cambodia began training Ukrainian sappers in 2022, with sessions conducted both in Poland and Cambodia. Japan will further support this initiative by providing a large demining machine to Ukraine next week and training Ukrainian personnel on its use in Cambodia the following month.
Cambodia's Role:
Expertise in Demining: Cambodia has established itself as a global leader in demining, having made significant progress in clearing mines within its own borders. The country's experience and technology are now being shared internationally, particularly with Ukraine.
Training Programs: Cambodian experts have been actively involved in training Ukrainian sappers, enhancing their capabilities to manage the mine contamination that poses a significant threat in Ukraine.
Context and Impact:
High Mine Contamination: Both Cambodia and Ukraine are listed among the nine countries with "massive" mine contamination, each having over 100 square kilometers of fields that need to be cleared, according to the 2022 report by the Landmine Monitor, a non-governmental organization.
Humanitarian Efforts: This initiative marks a critical step in the global effort to mitigate the dangers posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance, aiming to protect civilian lives and facilitate safer environments for rebuilding and development.
Statements:
- Yoko Kamikawa, Japanese Foreign Minister: "Cambodia, which has steadily moved forward in demining in its own country, is now a leader in demining around the world. Japan will provide full-scale assistance in humanitarian demining in Ukraine," Kamikawa stated, emphasizing Japan's commitment to support Ukraine through this initiative.
