Phnom Penh (FN), Jul. 18 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that war not only divides and destroys people but also cultural heritage, which is often broken and stolen to foreign countries, therefore it is important to preserve it for the sake of peace.
The premier spoke on Thursday (Jul. 18) during a groundbreaking ceremony for construction of Samdech Pin Sem Museum in Siem Reap province.
Premier Hun Manet underscored, "The war did not just divide people; it also threatened our statues. Through technology, we have reclaimed our rightful place for them and displayed them in museums. However, this illustrates that war not only divides people but also separates ancestral spirits. As we move past war, we reunite these spirits in our Angkor territory, a symbol of our pride in achieving peace."
Samdech Thipadei underlined that only peace can bring about various forms of harmony. War and conflict are sources of destruction and tragedy for the nation and its people, regardless of the reasons, he added.
At the same time, Samdech Thipadei noted that Khmer cultural heritage has suffered losses due to past wars and the illegal antiquities trade. Additionally, for more than a decade, the death toll from landmines has been approximately 100 people. He recalled that a few months ago, a civil servant in Preah Vihear province lost their life due to mines.
The premier underlined that while Cambodia will no longer lose territory due to war, negotiations over border disputes with neighbouring countries will persist. Furthermore, rather than Khmer temples being destroyed by war, efforts are focused on their renovation and registration as World Heritage sites to enlist foreign assistance in preserving Khmer cultural heritage.
Samdech Thipadei mentioned that between 1996 and 2024, Cambodia retrieved 1,098 artifacts and statues from abroad and expressed gratitude to countries that returned these items to their original locations in Cambodia. He added that artifacts sold abroad are valued at millions of dollars, and Cambodia must employ all possible means to retrieve them. He called for joint responsibility to care for, develop, and preserve the cultural heritage left by ancestors to diversify and support the tourism sector.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated the absolute necessity of ensuring stability and peace to prevent division among the Cambodian people, territory, and cultural heritage. Therefore, it is imperative that we collaborate to safeguard peace, as peace brings prosperity in every aspect of life.
=FRESH NEWS
