Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 22 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet recalled the history of nine deities that were illegally stolen from Chinese temples located in Koh Ker temple region, a former capital of the Khmer Empire between 921 and 944 CE.

The premier spoke on Thursday (Aug. 22) at the “Celebration of Returned Khmer Artifacts to Cambodia” in Phnom Penh.

"The search for and return of the deities of the two dynasties has been ongoing for more than 10 years, beginning during the tenure of Samdech Vibol Panha Sok An, the former Deputy Prime Minister, who worked tirelessly on this effort. As a result, five statues were returned to Cambodia in 2013 and 2014. Through the ongoing work of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, we have so far received back eight statues, two of which are present at this ceremony. The final statue, known as Krishna, is still being sought by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts to complete this significant collection, which will stand as a powerful symbol of the reunion," the premier underscored.

According to Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, the illicit trade and trafficking of antiquities is a global issue that affects many countries and is often conducted systematically and on a large scale, involving falsification of the history and origins of cultural property to facilitate smuggling across borders. Effective prevention requires joint action by all nations at both the national and international levels.

On the occasion, Premier Hun Manet highlighted the importance of international cooperation, including within the framework of organizations led by UNESCO, as well as partnerships with communities and private individuals, in the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. He noted that in the current context of shifting global public opinion and evolving moral and ethical standards, there is a growing recognition that a country’s heritage should be returned to its rightful home.
=FRESH NEWS