AKP Phnom Penh, August 14, 2025 --

Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Chum Sounry this afternoon clarified some miss representations on the alleged Ottawa Convention Meeting of States Parties in Bangkok. 

During a press briefing in Phnom Penh, H.E. Chum Sounry said that the so-called Ottawa Convention Meeting of the State Parties in Bangkok on Aug.15 is just a diplomatic briefing. 

The Ottawa Convention hosts its formal meeting of the state parties once a year, under the coordination of the current presidency. The next official meeting of the state parties will take place in Geneva from Dec.1 to 5, 2025 under the chairmanship of Japan, he stated. 

“The Bangkok event on Aug. 15, 2025 is a Thai-organised diplomatic briefing, not part of the Ottawa Convention formal process,” the spokesperson emphasised. 

Moreover, he continued, the attendance is by Thailand’s invitation and does not imply endorsement of any allegations. States often attend briefings to listen, not to take side. The Ottawa Convention operates on humanitarian, not-politised basis.  

H.E. Chum Sounry further explained that the Ottawa Convention’s Secretariat has no role in the Bangkok event. The Secretariat’s functions are tied to official meetings and treaty implementation, and not unilateral political briefings.  

Besides, he reiterated Cambodia’s commitment as a state party to the Ottawa Convention and its full compliance with its obligations. “Cambodia supports fact-based investigation and bilateral and ASEAN cooperation to address mine action concerns,” he stressed. “Cambodia rejects the politicised process that risks undermining the Convention’s neutrality.” 

According to the Spokesperson, Cambodia categorically rejected the baseless claim that it has planted new landmines along the border. 
Cambodia reaffirmed full compliance with its obligations under the Ottawa Convention and international humanitarian law, he said, underlining that Cambodia remains committed to addressing mine action concerns through credible fact-based investigation and through established bilateral and ASEAN mechanisms.  

“We call on Thailand not to politicise the Ottawa Convention for bilateral dispute. Cambodia stands ready for a genuine, impartial cooperation on mine action,” H.E. Chum Sounry said. 

By Heng Panha