Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 6 - At the signing ceremony of the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) and Memorandum of Understanding with Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts on Tuesday, outgoing U.S Ambassador to Cambodia William A. Heidt expressed his regret as his mission to Cambodia will end late November 2018.

"By the end of this month, I will finish my mission in Cambodia and return to the United States. Amongst the issues I’ve encountered these past three years, the work that I like the most is to help preserve Khmer cultural heritage and bring it back to the original place,” Ambassador said, adding that: "I regret that my mandate as an ambassador is over, but I am delighted to be present at this special event.”

He underlined that signing ceremony event reflected good relations between the United States and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia.

Ambassador Heidt further added that "I am proud that the renovation project of Phnom Bakheng is one of the largest projects. We have funded $3.2 million for the project since 2004, which leads to other funds from the private sector and the generous donors in the United States”.

The U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, signed two agreements on cultural cooperation in Cambodia at the National Museum of Cambodia.

According to the U.S Embassy Phnom Penh’s Press Release dated on Monday, the first agreement is the 2018 extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of United States of America and the Royal Government of Cambodia concerning “the Imposition of Import Restrictions on Categories of Archeological Material of Cambodia” for another additional five years from 2018-2023.

“Another agreement is the Award Agreements of the approved U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) 2018 between the U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh support the National Authority for Preah Vihear conservation project of $200,000.00 entitled “Conservation of the Northern Ancient Staircase at the 11th-Century Temple of Preah Vihear,” it added.

The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) supports the preservation of cultural sites, cultural objects, and forms of traditional cultural expression in more than 100 developing countries around the world, according to United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

AFCP-supported projects include the restoration of ancient and historic buildings, assessment and conservation of rare manuscripts and museum collections, preservation and protection of important archaeological sites, and the documentation of vanishing traditional craft techniques and indigenous languages.

Cultural heritage endures as a reminder of the contributions and historical experiences of humanity. By taking a leading role in efforts to preserve cultural heritage, the U.S. shows its respect for other cultures.

Ambassador William (Bill) A. Heidt was confirmed as the U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia on 5 August 2015 by the U.S. Senate. William A. Heidt, served more than 20 years at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in different roles, has a Cambodian wife.
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