Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 17 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet received a courtesy call from representatives of the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk Quadrilateral on 16 December 2024, at the Peace Palace.

The delegation was led by Ueno Atsushi, Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, Fabrice Etienne, Chargé d’Affaires of the French Embassy in Cambodia, along with Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, experts, and representatives of international partners.

During the meeting, the representatives briefed Samdech Thipadei on the outcomes of the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk meeting, held from 11-13 December 2024 in Siem Reap. They commended the strong cooperation between ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk and the Royal Government of Cambodia, highlighting its contributions to the conservation and development of the Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk heritage sites. These efforts not only benefit the Cambodian people but also provide immense value to humanity. The representatives also acknowledged the mechanism's role in building Cambodian human resources with expertise in temple conservation and restoration.

The delegation expressed their strong commitment to further strengthening and expanding cooperation between the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk mechanism and the Royal Government of Cambodia, with the goal of ensuring the continued preservation of world heritage sites and contributing to socio-economic development.

In addition, the representatives congratulated and praised the Royal Government for its past achievements in the conservation and development of cultural heritage. They particularly noted the successful inclusion of several Cambodian heritage properties on the World Heritage List.

The representatives also informed Samdech Thipadei of the decision to extend the mandate of the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk mechanism for an additional ten years.

For his part, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed his joy and congratulations on the successful conclusion of the 39th Technical Session and the 31st Plenary Session of the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk.

Samdech Thipadei extended his deep appreciation to the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk mechanism, including UNESCO and all international partners, particularly France and Japan, for their steadfast support in the restoration and conservation of the Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk heritage sites, which embody outstanding universal values for humanity.

The premier welcomed the decision made at the 4th Intergovernmental Conference on Angkor to extend the mandate of the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk mechanism for another ten years, ensuring continued collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei also underscored the importance of this mechanism in addressing ongoing and complex challenges, including climate change and population growth, which require cooperative efforts to maintain a balance between development and conservation.

Samdech Thipadei commended the representatives’ strong commitment to further strengthening and expanding cooperation with the Royal Government, expressing confidence that this partnership will lead to significant achievements in safeguarding the Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk heritage sites for future generations.

Samdech Thipadei called on the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk mechanism, UNESCO, and international partners to continue supporting Cambodia in key areas. These include facilitating the repatriation of Khmer antiquities, advancing the inclusion of Cambodian heritage properties on UNESCO's World Heritage List, and fostering the development of human capital in Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS