The Apsara Authority announced yesterday that it will begin sharing preservation knowledge and collaborating in restorations with the city officials behind Beijing’s ancient Imperial City.

Officials from Cambodia’s heritage preservation authority met with Du Jingxin, an official from Beijing’s Xicheng district, to discuss ways the two government bodies can share information, build capacity and promote tourism.

Long Kosal, spokesman for the Apsara Authority, said the group will soon sign an agreement to solidify the relationship with Xicheng, which boasts the Ming and Qing dynasties’ hub, the Imperial City.

“This is not just only about Cambodia and China in particular, but it’s about world cultural heritage, and if our heritage is preserved, it will be beneficial to all generations to come,” Kosal said.

China has pumped nearly $10 million into restoration projects at the Angkor Archaeological Park since 1998, according to the Apsara Authority website.

A Chinese heritage restoration team is close to concluding its work on the Ta Keo temple in Angkor Park, and will begin to research Beng Mealea temple early next year, Kosal said.