Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 22 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that from 1996 to July 2024, a span of 28 years after Cambodia achieved peace, a total of 1,098 ancient Khmer artifacts have been returned to Cambodia from 15 countries. Of these, 571 items were donated by philanthropists, and 527 items were donated by governments or institutions.

The premier spoke on Thursday (Aug. 22) at the “Celebration of Returned Khmer Artifacts to Cambodia” in Phnom Penh.

"Currently, Cambodia is conducting a series of researches because there is not a second that Cambodian can forget the soul of Khmer ancestors and their national identity. From 1996 to July 2024, a total of 1,098 Cambodian art objects (of which 571 were donated by philanthropists and 527 donated by governments or institutions) were returned to Cambodia from 15 countries including the United States, France, Australia, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Norway and China," Samdech Thipadei underscored.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that the protection, conservation, and promotion of cultural heritage has always been a high priority for the Royal Government of Cambodia. The government has strived to enhance Cambodia's reputation on the international stage by including Cambodian cultural properties in the World Heritage List and UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Samdech Thipadei added that the Royal Government of Cambodia's commitment to preventing the theft, trafficking, and illegal trade of cultural property. This commitment is reflected in the application of both national and international laws, including UNESCO conventions ratified by Cambodia, as well as bilateral agreements with various countries. The government has also cooperated with national and international experts to reclaim Cambodia's lost cultural heritage.

On this occasion, Samdech Thipadei noted that these efforts have enabled Cambodia to recover many lost Cambodian art objects through voluntary returns, negotiations, seizures, legal proceedings and more.

In addition, Samdech Thipadei added that Cambodia is celebrating the return of 70 national cultural objects, including 14 artifacts returned from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and 56 artifacts from private collectors in the United States, all of which are exquisite Cambodian artifacts now on display.

Premier Hun Manet stated that the return of these Khmer artifacts is the result of continuous efforts by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, in cooperation with all relevant partners, assistance from legal and technical experts, particularly the Government of the United States government, through the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
=FRESH NEWS