Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 22 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that the return of Khmer artifacts to Cambodia are an invaluable part of the national cultural heritage, belonging to the Cambodian people, who are the true owners of these treasures.

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

Samdech Thipadei underscored, "The artifacts we have now reclaimed back are an invaluable national cultural heritage for the Cambodian people, who are the true owners of these cultural treasures. The return of these artifacts symbolises the Khmer ancestors’ souls, who have always been with the nation and the people of Cambodia. The return of these cultural treasures plays a vital role in healing the emotional wounds of Cambodia and its people, who suffered during the decades-long civil war and the tragedy of the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime."

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei underscored that today's achievements reflect the Royal Government's strong commitment and the importance of effective cooperation with other countries and the international community in the global effort to combat the theft, circulation, and illegal trade of cultural property.

Regarding national cultural heritage, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet noted that the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, acting as the Royal Government's lead agency in this campaign, has diligently researched, collected evidence, and facilitated tourism and cooperation with various countries and stakeholders. These efforts are vital in reclaiming lost treasures, preserving them as cultural heritage and national identity for future generations of Cambodians to learn from and cherish.
=FRESH NEWS