Takeo (FN), Sep. 19 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet urged Cambodian citizens nationwide to jointly make some noise to congratulate the inscription of Koh Ker Archeological Site on UNESCO World Heritage List.

The premier spoke on Tuesday morning (Sep. 19) during a meeting with nearly 20,000 workers in Bati district, Takeo province.

"Tomorrow (Sep. 20) at 7 a.m., there will be drum beating in every public institute and public place. I would like to urge citizens to join us. By doing so, we will be able to tell our ancestors, who built Koh Ker Archeological Site thousand years ago, that their younger generation of 2023 have come together, recognised and congratulated the legacies," the premier underscored.

"In the evening, we will organize an event at the Olympic Stadium to celebrate the inscription. Culture minister Phoeurng Sackona, relevant Institutions, Phnom Penh Capital Hall, and the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia jointly organize this event to inspire the spirit of nationalism, regardless of different [political] party,” the premier added.

On 17 September 2023, the World Heritage Committee inscribed Koh Ker: Archeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, on the UNESCO World Heritage List during its extended 45th session in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The UNESCO designation acknowledged the exceptional historical and architectural significance of the Koh Ker archaeological site and its Outstanding Universal Value, serving as a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Khmer civilization and efforts made by Cambodia to safeguard its treasures for generations to come of all humanity.

Koh Ker was the capital of the Khmer Empire for a brief period between 928-941 C.E. under its founder King Jayavarman IV. Nestled within the verdant Cambodian broad-leaf forest between the slopes of the Dangrek and Kulen mountains, the site sits on the ancient road connecting Angkor to Beng Mealea, Preah Vihear, and from there, Phimai in Thailand and Wat Phu in Laos.
=FRESH NEWS