Welcome Speech By H.E Dr. Sou Phirin, Provincial Governor of Siem Reap Addressed in the Handover Ceremony of Demining Equipment Donated by the People and the Government of Japan to the Royal Government of Cambodia for the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, CMAC

Welcome Speech
By H.E Dr. Sou Phirin, Provincial Governor of Siem Reap
Addressed in the Handover Ceremony of Demining Equipment
Donated by the People and the Government of Japan to the Royal Government of
Cambodia for the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, CMAC
Siem Reap, 16 February 2012

Venerable monks

His Excellency Dr. SOK An, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers

His Excellency Mr. Masafumi KUROKI, Extraordinary Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

Today is a day of great importance for me, and all government officials, and the Siem Reap residents of Angkor, who are celebrating a special and meaningful event. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to H.E. Prof. Dr. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Cabinet, representing Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia, and H.E Mr. Masafumi KUROKI, Extraordinary Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia for handing over the demining equipment, which is a magnificent gift of aid from the Japanese government to the Royal Government of Cambodia, on behalf of CMAC. This event is honored by your presence.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

The Kingdom of Cambodia is fully at peace and is experiencing gradual development. Cambodians are improving their living day by day. Actually, in Siem Reap, the land of Angkor, national and international tourists are increasingly visiting the Angkor Wat temple and the great heritage of Angkor. Investors in hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and entertainment establishments in the Kingdom of Wonder are hopeful and confident. These investments lead to economic growth.

However, I would like to point out that after three decades of war, Cambodia, including Siem Reap, has been infested by land mines and all kinds of UXO. These have caused severe threats and have become obstacles to development and the living conditions of rural and remote people.

However, with professional operations by CMAC, mines and all kinds of UEX clearing activities are being undertaken smoothly, successfully and proudly, especially in the temple and resort sites of Cambodia. In this regard, the donation of technical tools by the Japanese government and Japanese people are priceless and are a gift to the heritage of the world, not only to Cambodia.

Actually, the achievements today are outputs produced by the Cambodian People's Party, under the leadership of Samdech Aka Moha Tama Poutisal Chea Sim, President of Senate, Samdech Aka Moha Chakrey Heng Samrin, President of the National Assembly, and Samdech Aka Moha Sena Pedey Decho Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia. These are the excellent leaders under the motto of Nation Religion King, and who have led us to peace and development in all sectors.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

On behalf of the citizens of Siem Reap and myself, I want to express my profound gratitude to the government and people of Japan, who support Cambodia, especially in the gift of technical tools for mine action. I would also like to express my gratitude to the other donors, particularly to the German Government, which provides budget assistance for CMAC, and I would also like to express my gratitude to demining NGOs such as MAG and the Halo Trust for clearing mines and UXO in the temple sites, which has particularly assisted with tourism and development in the province of Siem Reap.

At the same time, I would also like to thank CMAC under the leadership of H.E. Heng Ratana. CMAC plays a vital role in clearing mines and UXO and seeking donations to develop schools, roads, wells, and water resources in the rural areas of Siem Reap province. I strongly hope that CMAC will remain the important partner in reducing the dangers from mines and UXO, and in its support for all kinds of development in Siem Reap.

Finally, I would like to bless all the distinguished guests, citizens, disabled, teachers, students, and CMAC staff with longevity, good health, happiness, and strength.

Thank you for the privilege of being able to share such a great and historic occasion with you.

Thank you for your attention!