AKP Phnom Penh, October 17, 2026 --

The Kingdom of Cambodia opened a new chapter in its cultural diplomacy across Southeastern Europe on Friday with the official inauguration of the "Cambodia Corner – Books, Arts & Cultural Heritage" at the St. Cyril and St. Methodius National Library in Sofia.

Jointly organised by the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian National Library, the landmark event brought together foreign ambassadors, senior government officials, library executives, scholars, and members of the diplomatic corps in Sofia.

The newly established Cambodia Corner goes beyond displaying traditional Khmer literature and art. It serves as a permanent cultural and intellectual hub designed to foster deeper understanding of Cambodia’s rich history, Angkorian civilisation, literature, and living heritage among the Bulgarian public and scholars across the Balkan region.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Kalina Ivanova, Director of the Bulgarian National Library, commended the diplomatic initiative, emphasising that books remain unmatched tools for cross-cultural understanding.

"In the 21st century—despite rapid advancements in digital technology and international travel—books remain indispensable bridges for understanding the history and soul of a nation," Dr. Ivanova said. 

"Geographical distance is no barrier to intellectual exchange. Through literature, readers can traverse time, explore history, and discover distant lands."

Dr. Ivanova noted that the National Library’s historic archives already house research and documents authored by early Bulgarian scholars detailing Cambodian geography, history, and traditions—reflecting a long-standing academic interest in Southeast Asia.

Highlighting the global recognition of Cambodian heritage under UNESCO – including the World Heritage sites of Angkor, Preah Vihear, Sambor Prei Kuk, and Koh Ker – Dr. Ivanova also pointed to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum archives as vital historical records documenting human resilience.

She committed the National Library to preserving, updating, and expanding the collection annually for future generations of students, researchers, and readers.

In a deeply moving address delivered entirely in Bulgarian, H.E. Dr. Chea Chanboribo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cambodia to Bulgaria, reflected on returning as a diplomat to the very library where he studied as an international student nearly four decades ago.

His fluent Bulgarian underscored an enduring personal connection to the country he frequently describes as his "second home."

"Nearly 40 years ago, I came to this library as a student seeking knowledge," Ambassador Dr. Chea Chanboribo said. 

"Today, I have the distinct honour, on behalf of the Kingdom of Cambodia, to return and place a piece of my homeland within these historic walls. Whenever I return to Bulgaria, I never feel like a guest—I feel like I am coming home."

The Ambassador expressed confidence that the showcase will serve as a lasting bridge of knowledge, friendship, and mutual respect between the peoples of Cambodia and Bulgaria.

The Embassy curated 24 distinct catalogue items for the library, including 19 prominent book titles and five categories of traditional Khmer craftsmanship.

The literary collection spans Cambodian ancient history, the Varman Royal Dynasties, Angkorian architecture, gastronomy, tourism, and environmental conservation. Key titles featured include An Illustrated History of Cambodia, History of Angkor, The Story of Angkor, The Varman Dynasty of Cambodia: 2000 Years of Khmer Kingship, Stories in Stone, Reconstructing God, and Survival in the Killing Fields.

Complementing the books are hand-crafted cultural artifacts, including miniature Khmer paintings, traditional leather shadow play puppets, hand-carved brass vases, copper plates engraved with Angkor Wat motifs, and intricate metallic bas-reliefs.

Expanding the initiative beyond the National Library, Ambassador Dr. Chea Chanboribo also presented specialised collections of historical and philosophical literature to the Faculty of History and the Faculty of Philosophy at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski," building on prior academic lectures and strengthening institutional cooperation between Cambodian diplomacy and Bulgarian higher education.

The inauguration reflects a strategic push by Cambodian diplomacy to leverage soft power, educational exchanges, and cultural heritage to elevate the Kingdom's international standing in Southeastern Europe.

The initiative is anchored by the dual-language motto: "A Little Piece of Cambodia, a Lasting Friendship"

From a library that educated a young Cambodian student decades ago to the return of that same student as an Ambassador bestowing his nation's literary treasures, the milestone underscores the enduring power of education, memory, and diplomatic friendship.

By K. Rithy Reak