Phnom Penh: Australia has praised Cambodia for turning from a recipient to global leadership, and extended well wishes to the Kingdom in hosting of the Ottawa Mine Action Conference late this month.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, ‘Cambodia’s upcoming hosting of the Nov. 25-29 Ottawa Convention mine action conference highlights its global mine action leadership. It is the first Asian country to preside over the convention and to host this important conference,’ stressed the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh in a message this afternoon.

The embassy added that Australia has been a very proud Cambodian mine action partner for more than three decades. Ahead of the conference, Australia will make a series of posts showcasing the work it has done with Cambodia on de-mining.

‘We wish the Cambodian Government and people every success with this important conference and Cambodia’s ambition to become mine-impact free,’ said the embassy.

Cambodia became a party to the Ottawa Treaty in 2000 and has been fulfillin
g its role as a model and leading State Party in the elimination of anti-personnel mines. The Kingdom has been elected by the 164 States Parties to chair and host the 5th Review Conference of the Mine Ban Convention – the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World – in late November this year in Siem Reap cultural province.

Cambodia’s presidency represents a call for intensified cooperation across borders, sectors, and communities. With this summit in Siem Reap, Cambodia’s commitment extends not only to local progress but to catalysing global partnerships and ensuring the long-term sustainability of mine action through collective support and innovative funding.

This upcoming summit is more than a diplomatic gathering; it is a historic opportunity for nations and organisations worldwide to reassess, recommit, and refocus their efforts to a mine-free world by reviewing the Convention’s achievements and setting new priorities with the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan 2025-2029.