Phnom Penh (FN), Sep. 20 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet considered that the inscription of Koh Ker Archeological Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List indicated the wisdom of Cambodian ancestors who left rich artistic legacies for the next generation.

The premier spoke on Wednesday (Sep. 20) at the celebration of the inscription at the National Olympic Stadium.

The inscription of Koh Ker Archeological Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List is a testament to the wisdom of the Cambodian ancestors who left rich culture, civilization, and art, especially the magnificent architecture of temples throughout Cambodia for the next generation to remember and jointly preserve under the shadow of peace that citizens must jointly maintain, and prevent any attempts to provoke war for the development of our country in the present and the future," the premier underscored.

Samdech Thipadei underlined that the Royal Government has always given priority to the cultural sector, which is the soul of the nation, the national identity, whose motto is "Culture extinguished; the nation vanished. Culture flourished; the nation prospered".

On 17 September 2023, the World Heritage Committee inscribed Koh Ker: Archeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, on the UNESCO World Heritage List during its extended 45th session in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The UNESCO designation acknowledged the exceptional historical and architectural significance of the Koh Ker archaeological site and its Outstanding Universal Value, serving as a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Khmer civilization and efforts made by Cambodia to safeguard its treasures for generations to come of all humanity.

Koh Ker was the capital of the Khmer Empire for a brief period between 928-941 C.E. under its founder King Jayavarman IV. Nestled within the verdant Cambodian broad-leaf forest between the slopes of the Dangrek and Kulen mountains, the site sits on the ancient road connecting Angkor to Beng Mealea, Preah Vihear, and from there, Phimai in Thailand and Wat Phu in Laos.
=FRESH NEWS