AKP Phnom Penh, January 19, 2021 --

The U.S. has announced an assistance to preserve two of Cambodia’s ancient temples – Preah Vihear in Preah Vihear province, and Phnom Bakheng in Siem Reap province.

The move started with a recent official signing of cooperative agreements between the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia and between the latter and the World Monuments Fund (WMF).

According to a joint press release between the two counterparts, the grants are from the U.S. Department of State’s Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.

Of the assistance, US$120,000 is for the National Authority of Preah Vihear to renovate the northern staircase of the 11th century Temple of Preah Vihear, and to restore the ancient drainage system along both sides of the staircase.

Some US$300,000 will go to the WMF for continuation of conservation work phase 5 of the project at Phnom Bakheng in Siem Reap for a period of 24 months, until 2022.

The project will be carried out within the long-term partnership between WMF and the APSARA National Authority.

“These historic sites are enduring parts of Cambodia’s unique cultural heritage, heralded and appreciated by the entire world,” said the U.S. Ambassador H.E. W. Patrick Murphy in the joint press release, adding that the assistance will help preserve the temples for future generations.

Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Dr. Phoeurng Sackona underlined that the assistance substantiates the long-standing support and firm commitment of the U.S. government, along with the international community, for protecting, conserving and restoring cultural heritage in Cambodia.

“I believe that relationship – and cooperation based on the shared values between Cambodia and the U.S. government and their citizens – will continue to develop even stronger,” she added.

The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation was established to help preserve significant cultural heritage sites around the world, and under the AFCP grants, the Department of State has provided Cambodia more than US$4 million since 2001.

(Photo: Khuth Sao)

By Phal Sophanith