Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 22 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that due to the national division and war, the Khmer artifacts were plundered and traded overseas. However, if there was no war in Cambodia, those ill-intended could not steal and sell the cultural treasures of the Khmer ancestors.

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

"Why did these Khmer statues leave Cambodia? Because we were divided. If we had peace, thieves could not have stolen these statues, which symbolize this reunion. As we mark the one-year anniversary of the new Royal Government’s mandate, we have been able to maintain stability, peace, and happiness for our citizens,” Samdech Thipadei underscored.

“Today, we can celebrate this ceremony nationwide without war or national division. We are proud to welcome back the souls of our ancestors in a spirit of unity under the umbrella of peace.”

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei continued by noting that the return of the Khmer artifacts is a precious restoration of the national cultural heritage for the Cambodian people, who are the rightful owners of these treasures. He highlighted that these achievements reflect the strong commitment of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the importance of good cooperation with other countries and the international community in the global fight against the theft and trafficking of cultural property.

From 1996 to July 2024, a total of 1,098 Cambodian art objects—571 received from philanthropists and 527 from governments or institutions—have been returned to Cambodia from 15 countries, including the United States, France, Australia, England, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, and China.
=FRESH NEWS