Phnom Penh 07 July 2021 – Representatives and senior officials of national mine action authorities, donor agencies and parties ended the one-day workshop on Achieving Sustainable and Inclusive Development in Landmine/Explosive Remnant of War (ERW)-Affected Countries with a promise to synergize efforts in mine action and a plan to develop a set of recommendations and strategy that links Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets in their national and regional level priorities.

The workshop was organized by the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Phnom Penh on 1 July in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The workshop was among a series of regional events planned this year by ARMAC to promote dialogue and strengthen cooperation in the mine action sector at the regional level. The workshop brought together stakeholders from ASEAN landmine/ERW affected countries and non-affected states, partners and stakeholders in the region.

In his opening statement, H.E. Mr. Sudirman Haseng  Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Cambodia highlighted Indonesia’s commitment and active engagement with humanitarian mining activities in the region. He also stressed that, “Indonesia’s commitment mainly is channeled through ARMAC and the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting – Plus Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action. Ambassador Haseng said that “this workshop is to fulfil Indonesia’s commitment to support ARMAC, in particular its work relating to enhancing awareness programme on the dangers of mine / ERWs.”

Director General of ASEAN Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia H.E. Mr. Sidharto R. Suryodipuro emphasized the three key points relevant to the workshop: the importance of a comprehensive and holistic approach to address the threat of landmines and ERW should not be limited to security and humanitarian aspect. It also must take into account the development aspect, hence the achievement of SDGs; presence of strong national capacities that includes creating effective safeguards over explosives and materials, landmine clearance operations, and victims’ rehabilitation, while taking into account the rights of people affected by these weapons; and continuous international collaboration such as the ASEAN cooperation mechanism where partners and donor countries extend support including through the provision of technical, financial, and other relevant assistances.

H.E. Mr. Norng Sakal, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, underscored the need for promoting regional cooperation in mine action, emphasizing that the “the collective partnership platform

(ARMAC, 07 July 2021)

14 July 2021 – ARMAC team led by its Executive Director Prum Suonpraseth paid a courtesy call on Lao PDR Ambassador H.E. Mr. Amphay Kindavong at His Excellency’s Office in Phnom Penh.

ARMAC ED provided an update to Ambassador H.E. Mr. Amphay Kindavong, regarding latest projects and initiatives by the Center including the planned arrangement for the upcoming Friends of ARMAC Event which is targeted in Quarter 4 of 2021.

Their discussions also touched on ARMAC’s catalytic role as coordinator for the region; and how ARMAC can remain sustainable in the long run. ARMAC ED thanked the Ambassador for the Government’s continued support and financial contribution to ARMAC.

11 June 2021 – ARMAC ED Prum Suonpraseth participated in the virtual Fifth Forum of Entities Associate with ASEAN. The Forum was convened to further strengthen the partnership between entities and ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN sectoral bodies, ASEAN related centres, and among themselves.

One of the highlights of this year’s forum was the launch of the Entities Digital Platform, an independent cybernetic space for ASEAN’s associated entities and centres, which is embedded in the ASEAN website. It allows members to directly engage with one another; to post event announcements, and to call for applications. It also aims to streamline the accreditation process through digitalization.

11 June 2021 – ARMAC and senior officials from the Embassy of Germany in Jakarta and GIZ met online and discussed about potential cooperation in 2022.

Institutional capacity building, outreach & communication, and knowledge management were discussed and identified as potential areas for cooperation between ARMAC and Germany.

(ARMAC, 11 June 2021)