(Phnom Penh): On Friday (Nov. 21), Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet extended his congratulations and warm welcome to the Khmer cultural heritage objects that have been repatriated to the motherland following negotiations with István Zelnik, a Hungarian national, and the Government of Hungary, to facilitate the return of these treasured Khmer artefacts to Cambodia.

“Congratulations and welcome to the Khmer cultural heritage objects that have returned to their homeland! In accordance with the Royal Government’s steadfast principles, and as the direct overseer of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, we have made extensive efforts and engaged in negotiations with István Zelnik, a Hungarian national, and the Government of Hungary, to bring these Khmer cultural treasures back to the motherland," Samdech Thipadei underscored. 

Among the significant Khmer cultural heritage objects which will be returned to Cambodia under this agreement are 183 pieces of Khmer silk textiles — a remarkable collection which significantly increases the National Museum’s existing collection of textiles — as well as prehistoric artifacts such as coins, beads, jewelry, and items made of precious metals, bronze, stone and clay. Many of these objects were looted from Cambodia during the decades of civil war. The return also includes several other important collections, such as stone and bronze objects from both the Pre-Angkor and Angkor periods.
=FRESH NEWS