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
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.
Sidebar: