(Phnom Penh): UNESCO reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitor the situation surrounding Cambodia's Preah Vihear Temple and pledged to help ease tensions between Cambodia and Thailand through cultural cooperation.

The commitment was made by Nayef Al-Fayez, UNESCO Assistant Director General for Culture, during a meeting with the Cambodian delegation led by Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, on the sidelines of the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, on Tuesday (Jul. 21).

During the meeting, Phoeurng Sackona congratulated Nayef Al-Fayez on his appointment as UNESCO Assistant Director General for Culture and expressed appreciation for the mission report submitted by experts from the World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), who conducted a technical mission to Preah Vihear Temple from 1 to 6 March 2026, at Cambodia’s invitation.

The minister praised the report for its comprehensive technical quality, accuracy and objective reflection of the actual situation at the World Heritage site.

She also informed the UNESCO official of Cambodia’s intention to host a session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage during its 2026-2030 term as a committee member.

In response, Nayef Al-Fayez pledged UNESCO’s support for Cambodia’s proposal to host the session and reaffirmed both the organization's and his personal commitment to closely monitoring the situation at Preah Vihear Temple.

He added that UNESCO would actively support efforts to reduce tensions between Cambodia and Thailand through cultural dialogue and cooperation.
=FRESH NEWS