Siem Reap (FN), Jan. 21 – Ukrainian deminers have completed demining training course conducted by Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) with the support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The closing ceremony of the training course was held on 20 January 2023 under the chairmanship of standing secretary of state of the Cambodian Foreign Ministry Ouch Borith, who represents Cambodian foreign minister Prak Sokhonn, CMAC director general Heng Ratana, chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, Ichitomo Taninan, JICA vice president Katsura Miyazki, and Ukrainian chief technical officer Stanislav Kulykivsky.

Heng Ratana, on behalf of the leaders and staff of CMAC, in particular, the people of Cambodia, would like to express his deepest condolences to the people of Ukraine who have lost their lives and are suffering from the war.

This one-week training went smoothly, proceeded as planned, and was completed successfully.

Ratana expressed his deep gratitude to the people and government of Japan, especially the management of JICA in Phnom Penh and Tokyo for their active support in establishing this training.

"This technical training is just a small piece to share Cambodia's experiences of the war's impacts on individuals, families, communities and society, as well as share key successes in dealing with mines and remnants. Japanese and Ukrainian partners shall focus on integrating Advanced Landmine Imaging System (ALIS) with demining machines to ensure the safety of our deminers and for the cost-effectiveness," Ratana added.

About 15 Ukrainian deminers joined a week-long demining training in mid-January 2023 at CMAC's Mine Action Technical Institute in Kampong Chhnang and visit demining sites in Battambang and Siem Reap province.

During the training, the Ukrainian trainees shown keen interest and had learned more about the CMAC's specialized forces operating in the minefield, which is helpful for the current situation in Ukraine.
=FRESH NEWS