China, Southeast Asian nations deplore civilian casualties from mines, war remnants

ANKARA: China and Southeast Asian nations on Friday expressed concern over civilian casualties caused by mines and war remnants in the region. Beijing pledged to cooperate with the region to reduce the risk of further casualties. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with top diplomats from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Vientiane, Laos, to discuss cooperation between the regional bloc and Beijing. "Deploring the large number of civilian casualties caused by mines and other explosive remnants of war in the region, and recognizing that they pose a serious threat to people's security and economic and social development," the parties stated in a joint statement. Thousands of people have been killed in Vietnam and Cambodia due to mines or other explosive remnants of war. The diplomats acknowledged the significant efforts and achievements made by ASEAN countries affected by landmines and other explosive remnants of war in recent years in mine clearance. "Noting that many ASEAN countries still face challenges in clearing the threat of landmines and other explosive remnants of war, including in humanitarian mine clearance in border areas," the statement continued. The foreign ministers also agreed to strengthen cooperation with UN agencies such as the United Nations Mine Action Service and the United Nations Development Programme, actively explore South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation, and called on all parties to increase support for ASEAN countries affected by mines and other explosive remnants of war. Source: Anadolu Agency