On February 5, 2026, H.E. Heng Ratana, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Director General of CMAC and Mr. Hans Peter Risser, Country Director of NPA, signed a cooperative agreement, granted by the United States, for the period of February 2026 to July 2027, in advancing peace and security through the survey and clearance of landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) and strengthening humanitarian mine action efforts and supporting Cambodia’s progress toward an impact-free remnants of war in the country. The ceremony was witnessed by Ms. Kelly Saltzman, Political Officer of the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia.

The project is funded through a USD 5,000,000 award from the U.S. Department of State to NPA. Of this total, USD 4,000,000 is granted to CMAC to implement operational activities and USD 1,000,000 is granted to NPA for some key activities such as capacity building, explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) and etc. The project activities include the comprehensive land release of cluster munition remnants, improved nationwide responses to explosive hazards, and the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) along Cambodia and Thailand border, which aim to eliminate the risk posed by landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of war (ERW).

In addition to existing contamination, after the Thai invasion, Cambodia is heavy affected by cluster bombs, chemical substance and unexploded ordnance of all kinds with a total arear of approximately 441,595 hectares within 340 villages, located in 7 provinces: Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong and Siem Reap. In Oddar Meanchey province alone, the total area affected is 40,471 hectares, equivalent to 145 villages. NPA has been a longstanding partner with CMAC since 1992, working together to make the land safe for communities affected by landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of war. This enduring collaboration has contributed to significant progress in reducing explosive threats, restoring land for productive use, and enhancing national mine action capacity. Through continued partnership, NPA and CMAC remain committed to supporting Cambodia in improving the safety and well-being of communities across the country. H.E. Heng Ratana expressed his deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister for supporting this vital project. He also conveyed his profound appreciation to President Donald J. Trump, the government, and the people of the United States, as well as NPA, for their continued active support of mine action and development in Cambodia.

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