PRESS RELEASE
ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
15
Dec
Regional High-Level Dialogue in Jakarta Strengthens Cooperation, Innovation, and Financing for a Mine-Free ASEAN
Regional High-Level Dialogue in Jakarta Strengthens Cooperation, Innovation, and Financing for a Mine-Free ASEAN
Jakarta, 8 December 2025 — The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) today convened senior policymakers, development partners, and technical experts at the Regional High-Level Dialogue on Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization in Mine/ERW Action in Jakarta, Indonesia. This pivotal gathering brought together ASEAN Member States and partners to deepen cooperation and align mine action with regional peace, security, and development objectives.
The opening session featured remarks from ARMAC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN—underscoring a united front in addressing the human and socio-economic impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) across the region.
In her welcome address, Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, reflected on the profound human cost of mine/ERW contamination and reaffirmed the region’s shared humanitarian purpose. She noted that ASEAN’s collective efforts are grounded in the dignity and safety of its people, stating:
“Today, we gather not only as institutions, but as a community united by one shared humanitarian purpose: to save lives, restore land, and uphold the dignity and safety of our people across ASEAN.”
Ms. Buth also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government of China for its long-standing support to ASEAN’s mine action efforts, emphasizing that:
“China’s long-standing assistance—through training, equipment provision, expert deployment, and financial contributions—has strengthened national capacities across ASEAN and reflects a commitment rooted in shared humanitarian responsibility.”
Representing China, Mr. Liang Guotao, Director of the Department of Arms Control at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted China’s empathy and deep connection to mine-affected communities, noting that China remains committed to supporting ASEAN countries through material assistance, training, and expert guidance. He remarked:
“China stands ready to continue providing support for the realization of a mine-free ASEAN. Every family able to rebuild their homes and every child able to live in peace are the fruits of our collective efforts.”
In his address, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, reaffirmed the strategic importance of mine action within ASEAN’s broader political-security agenda. He emphasized ARMAC’s growing role as a center of excellence and underlined the need to sustain momentum under the ASEAN Political-Security Community Strategic Plan, stating that humanitarian mine action continues to reflect ASEAN’s spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. He also expressed appreciation for China’s dedicated support since 2021.
H.E. Ambassador Shaharuddin bin Onn, Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee, further underscored mine action as a strategic investment in regional peace, human development, and resilience. He called on ASEAN Member States and partners to continue strengthening cooperation and to pursue innovative and sustainable approaches aligned with ASEAN Vision 2045.
The Dialogue featured a comprehensive programme including a Strategic Dialogue Session on innovation, South–South cooperation, and resource mobilization; technical and thematic panels on regional progress, emerging technologies, and sustainable financing; and a study visit to the ASEAN Secretariat to deepen institutional cooperation and cross-sectoral understanding. Participants highlighted how mine/ERW action contributes directly to human security, livelihoods, inclusive development, and the goals of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025.
Throughout the Dialogue, delegates reflected on the lived realities of mine-affected communities—children unable to play, farmers unable to cultivate land, and families living with uncertainty—and reaffirmed that mine action brings hope, restores dignity, and enables sustainable futures. The event also highlighted the importance of continued partnership, innovation, and shared responsibility in advancing progress toward a mine-free ASEAN.
ARMAC conveyed its deep appreciation to the Government of China for its sustained and transformative support; to all ASEAN Member States for their solidarity and trust; to the Royal Government of Cambodia as host of ARMAC’s Permanent Secretariat; and to Dialogue Partners, UN agencies, and technical experts for their collaborative contributions toward this shared regional mission.
18
Oct
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) had the honour of welcoming H.E. Kiya Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) had the honour of welcoming H.E. Kiya Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, on his courtesy visit to ARMAC.
The delegation also included Mr. Nobuo Mori, First Secretary of the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, and Mr. Ikehara Kiichi, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
During the visit, Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, expressed sincere appreciation for Japan’s longstanding partnership and leadership in advancing peacebuilding, human security, and inclusive development across ASEAN. The meeting provided an opportunity to share ARMAC’s ongoing regional initiatives and explore potential areas of collaboration in humanitarian mine action.
ARMAC looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with Japan in support of ASEAN’s shared vision of a resilient, inclusive, and people-centred community by 2045.
02
Sep
ARMAC at the 17th Coordinating Conference for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (ASCCO)
ARMAC at the 17th Coordinating Conference for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (ASCCO)
ARMAC was honored to participate in the 17th ASCCO, chaired by H.E. Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Political-Security Community.
The Conference gathered ASEAN SOM Leaders, Chairs of APSC Sectoral Bodies, ASEAN Organs, and Associated Entities, including ARMAC, to review progress on the implementation and end-term review of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025.
In line with ARMAC’s mandate and ASEAN’s priorities, we highlighted our contributions to the Blueprint through:
Advancing victim assistance and psychosocial support initiatives Strengthening regional cooperation and knowledge sharing in mine action Promoting inclusive and innovative approaches that link mine action to sustainable developmentAs ASEAN charts its path towards Vision 2045, ARMAC reaffirms its commitment to solidarity, collective resilience, and a safe, resilient, and mine-free ASEAN Community.
25
Jul
ASEAN AND REPUBLIC OF KOREA CELEBRATE REGIONAL IMPACT OF LANDMARK PROGRAMME FOR LANDMINE VICTIMS
ASEAN AND REPUBLIC OF KOREA CELEBRATE REGIONAL IMPACT OF LANDMARK PROGRAMME FOR LANDMINE VICTIMS
ARMAC Wraps Up Four-Year Initiative Empowering Survivors Across Five ASEAN Member States
Phnom Penh, 24 July 2025 – The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), in collaboration with the Republic of Korea, ASEAN partners, and technical contributors, concluded the Enhance Victim Assistance Programme in the ASEAN Member States with a high-level Wrap-Up Event today in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The programme, launched in 2021 and funded through a generous USD 2 million contribution from the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), supported national and regional efforts to strengthen victim assistance services across five mine/ERW-affected ASEAN Member States—Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Singapore, through SingHealth, also contributed vital technical support, enhancing regional capacity in psychosocial and mental health care.
In her remarks, Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, emphasized the human dimension of the initiative:
“This programme was never just about policies or systems—it was about people. Survivors, families, and communities who live with the legacy of conflict. With resilience and dignity, they have shaped this journey, and ARMAC is proud to have walked alongside them, together with our committed partners from across ASEAN and the Republic of Korea.”
Key achievements over the four-year period include:
• Engagement of over 5,700 survivors and affected persons through national consultations and needs assessments;
• Completion of comprehensive research and feasibility studies in all five target countries—Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam;
• Development of Regional Guidelines and Country Profiles to inform victim assistance policies and enhance service delivery at both national and regional levels;
• Capacity building of 243 professionals in psychosocial support and victim assistance across ASEAN Member States;
• Establishment and initial launch of the ASEAN Regional Victim Assistance Network (VAN), featuring a dedicated digital platform to promote knowledge exchange, coordination, and sustainable regional collaboration;
• Production and premiere of the Voice of Victim documentary, presenting compelling testimonies of explosive ordnance survivors from across the region.
At the event, ARMAC officially handed over a suite of policy tools, national studies, and training materials to ASEAN Member States. These legacy resources are expected to guide future action, ensuring victim assistance remains a central component of ASEAN’s humanitarian mine action strategies.
H.E. Lee Jang-keun, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN, reaffirmed Korea’s deep commitment to mine action and ASEAN solidarity:
“This programme exemplifies the true spirit of partnership between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea. The impact is not only measured in statistics or reports, but in the individual stories of resilience and renewed hope—as captured in the documentary Voice of Victim. Korea firmly believes that investing in programmes like this is an investment in peace, stability, and fundamental human dignity. We are pleased to share that discussions for a second phase are now underway”
Echoing this commitment, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, emphasized the strategic and humanitarian importance of the programme
“This flagship initiative empowers landmine victims not merely to recover, but to lead and inspire as agents of change within their communities. The Victim Assistance Network and digital platform will play a critical role in strengthening coordination and support services across the region. I commend ARMAC and all collaborators for this significant achievement, which brings us closer to a mine-free ASEAN”
The Government of Malaysia, current Chair of both ARMAC and ASEAN, emphasized that the initiative reflects effective, impactful regional collaboration rooted in ASEAN values of peace, security, and inclusive development.
ARMAC expressed deep gratitude to SingHealth and the Government of Singapore for their pivotal role in delivering professional training in mental health and psychosocial support—key components of sustainable victim assistance systems.
As ASEAN’s official regional body for mine action, ARMAC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional capacity, fostering cooperation, and elevating survivor voices in policymaking.
“This is not the end—it is a call to continue,” concluded Ms. Buth. “Together with our partners, ARMAC stands ready to deepen our impact and realize a shared vision: a mine-free ASEAN where all survivors are empowered to live with dignity and hope.
End of Press Release
22
Jul
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) had the privilege of welcoming H.E Mr. Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to its headquarters in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, 22 July 2025 – In a significant step toward strengthening inter-regional collaboration in humanitarian mine action, the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) had the privilege of welcoming H.E Mr. Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to its headquarters in Phnom Penh. He was accompanied by H.E Mr. Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizade, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, Lao PDR and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, H.E. Ambassador Jalal Mirzayev, Head of Asia and Pacific Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The high-level engagement marked a continuation of the positive momentum initiated during the 2024 study visit hosted by ARMAC, where the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) visited ASEAN Member States to observe best practices in explosive ordnance (EO) management. The visit exemplified ARMAC’s commitment to South-South cooperation, fostering mutual learning among countries with shared post-conflict challenges.
The discussions reaffirmed ARMAC’s mission to support regional and global mine action efforts, in line with the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025. Both parties exchanged insights on the importance of research and development, innovation, and the integration of emerging technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of mine clearance operations.
“ARMAC reaffirms its dedication to fostering regional and international partnerships that not only enhance technical capacity but also promote sustainable peace and development,” stated Ms. Buth Rothna, Executive Director of ARMAC. “We are pleased to witness growing momentum for intercontinental collaboration, and we look forward to continued engagement with Azerbaijan as a key partner in this endeavor.”
Echoing this sentiment, H.E. Mr. Elnur Mammadov shared: “We deeply appreciate ARMAC’s leadership in mine action and their generous facilitation of knowledge-sharing platforms. Azerbaijan is determined to invest in the institutional strengthening of its mine action capacity, and we view ARMAC as a pivotal partner in this journey. The shared experiences of ASEAN countries provide invaluable lessons for our own post-conflict recovery.”
The meeting also addressed the potential for future cooperation in joint research initiatives, the establishment of technical dialogues, and the promotion of region-to-region knowledge exchanges. As a center of excellence, ARMAC continues to serve as a critical platform for experience sharing and dialogue, reinforcing its role in advancing regional peace, security, and sustainable development.
This engagement underscores a shared vision between ASEAN and Azerbaijan to collaborate across borders and leverage collective expertise in the pursuit of a mine-free future.
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19
Jun
It was an honour for ARMAC to meet H.E. Mr. LEE Jang-keun, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN, during our recent mission in Jakarta.
It was an honour for ARMAC to meet H.E. Mr. LEE Jang-keun, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN, during our recent mission in Jakarta.
We express our sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea for their enduring support through the ASEAN–Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF).
Since 2021, the Republic of Korea has generously committed over USD 2 million to our “Enhance Victim Assistance Programmes in ASEAN Member States” initiative—supporting survivors of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
This partnership is more than a project—it reflects shared values of dignity, resilience, and inclusivity.
Together, we work to ensure that communities affected by past conflicts are not left behind and have the support they need to heal and thrive.
During our dialogue, we reviewed our shared progress, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, and discussed upcoming initiatives, including a documentary to amplify the voices of survivors and raise regional awareness.
We deeply appreciate the Republic of Korea’s continued partnership in promoting humanitarian mine action and inclusive development across ASEAN.
18
Jun
ARMAC had the great honour of meeting with H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta
ARMAC had the great honour of meeting with H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
During this inspiring exchange, we reflected on ARMAC’s regional role in addressing the humanitarian impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) across ASEAN. As a Centre of excellence under the ASEAN Political–Security Community (APSC) pillar, ARMAC remains committed to contributing to ASEAN’s peace, security, and community-building goals.
H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn’s visionary leadership and thoughtful guidance provided valuable direction for ARMAC’s current and future work. His emphasis on inclusive, people-oriented approaches, in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, reinforces our shared goal of building a UXO-free, resilient, and unified ASEAN—an ASEAN One where no one is left behind.
ARMAC expresses its deepest appreciation to H.E. the Secretary-General for his steadfast support and inspiration as we continue working together toward a Mine/UXO free and dignified future for all.
18
Jun
ARMAC was honored to meet with H.E. Mr. KIYA Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN
ARMAC was honored to meet with H.E. Mr. KIYA Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, to further strengthen our partnership and explore future collaboration in support of humanitarian mine action and regional resilience.
We deeply appreciate the Government of Japan’s steadfast support through the Japan–ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), and its continued commitment to peace, security, and sustainable development in ASEAN.
We look forward to the opportunity of welcoming H.E. Ambassador Kiya to the ARMAC Regional Centre in Phnom Penh, kingdom of Cambodia in the near future.
17
Jun
Strengthening Regional Mine Action Cooperation with China!
Strengthening Regional Mine Action Cooperation with China!
This morning in Jakarta, Indonesia, we were grateful to meet with Mr. Wang Daohao, Counsellor at the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, to advance our collaboration on the upcoming project: “Enhancing Operational Capacity in Mine/ERW Action through Provision of Essential Equipment in ASEAN Member States.”
The discussion reaffirmed our shared commitment to supporting mine-affected communities across the ASEAN region through practical, high-impact cooperation. This initiative reflects the strong and growing partnership between the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and the People’s Republic of China in promoting peace, safety, and sustainable development.
We sincerely value the continued support from the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and the Mission of China to ASEAN, and we look forward to the meaningful impact this collaboration will bring.
Together, we are clearing the path to peace and development in ASEAN.
We are excited to move this impactful initiative into action!
17
Jun
ARMAC’s Executive Director had the honour of meeting H.E. Heng Sarith, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Cambodia to ASEAN, at the Cambodian Embassy.
Jakarta, Indonesia – This afternoon, ARMAC’s Executive Director had the honour of meeting H.E. Heng Sarith, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Cambodia to ASEAN, at the Cambodian Embassy.
This meeting was a meaningful occasion to extend our sincere appreciation to the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) for its steadfast support. As ARMAC’s host country and a founding advocate of our mission, Cambodia’s leadership continues to be pivotal to our work.
Thanks to this enduring support, ARMAC is empowered to function as a regional centre of excellence—promoting humanitarian mine action, advancing victim assistance, and fostering stronger regional cooperation in ASEAN.
Operating from Phnom Penh, we proudly carry forward this mission, rooted in Cambodia’s deep experience and commitment to addressing the legacy of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
Together, we remain united in building a mine-free, resilient, and inclusive ASEAN.
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