Director-general of the APSARA National Authority (ANA) Hang Peou asked a South Korean government agency to consider providing assistance that would ensure the stable, sustainable storage of the Kingdom’s cultural treasures.
He offered his comments at the February 28 signing ceremony of an agreement on the continuation of cooperation between Cambodia and South Korea.
The ceremony, held at the ANA headquarters, was attended by Peou and Choi Eung-chon, head of the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) of South Korea.
Peou extended a warm welcome to the Korean delegation led by Eung-chon. He also used the opportunity to recount some of the projects that the CHA and ANA had worked on in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
He thanked the Korean agency for training ANA officials in the restoration and conservation of ancient temples and said that they have the expertise to protect and manage cultural artifacts.
“I would like to propose that CHA consider helping to preserve our collection of artifacts. They have specialised skills which they could share with our staff,” he said.
Eung-chon recalled his agency’s close cooperation with the ANA, which began in 2010.
“Initially, we provided equipment for repairs and conservation of the temples. Later, in 2015, we assisted with the restoration of the Preah Pithu temple complex, which was completed in 2018. In 2019, we began working together to restore the Elephant Terrace, work which continues today,” he said.
He added that the CHA had agreed to continue helping to preserve and repair Angkor Wat temple.
“These collaborations play a significant part in increasing the close relationship between Cambodia and South Korea. I expect that this cooperation will continue forever,” he concluded.
