6 Oct 2025
Norwegian Ambassador Reaffirms Support for Cambodia’s Mine Action Efforts
On October 6, 2025 at the CMAC Headquarters in Phnom Penh, H.E. Heng Ratana, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Director-General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), met with Astrid Emilie Helle, the Norwegian Ambassador to Cambodia residing in Bangkok, Thailand. Ambassador Helle was accompanied by Hans Risser, Director of Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) in Cambodia, and several colleagues. During the meeting, H.E. Ratana briefed the Ambassador on the progress of Cambodia’s mine action sector, highlighting CMAC’s achievements and its long-standing partnership with NPA—a key ally since 1992.
H.E. Ratana acknowledged the significant contributions of the people and government of Norway, which have been instrumental in supporting Cambodia’s efforts to eliminate landmines and explosive remnants of war, thereby safeguarding lives and promoting post-war peace and socio-economic development. The two sides also exchanged views on the Cambodian–Thai border conflict, a critical issue that requires close monitoring—particularly due to the severe impact of Thailand’s explosive remnants of war on Cambodia’s sovereign territory and civilian villages during the five-day armed clashes. H.E. Ratana emphasized that the Cambodian Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, remains committed to the ceasefire agreement and is exercising restraint in pursuit of lasting peace between the neighboring countries.
Ambassador Helle praised Cambodia’s mine action achievements and expressed admiration for the government's leadership in line with the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Mine Convention. She reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to continued collaboration with Cambodia in mine clearance, risk education, and post-mine community development. She also stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and restoring peace, which she noted was in the interest of both countries and the broader region. Hans Risser echoed this commitment, stating that NPA will continue its partnership with CMAC from 2026 to 2030, with the support of the Norwegian and U.S. governments, along with other international donors.