Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Culture ministry, PM celebrate return of Cambodian artefacts

Culture ministry, PM celebrate return of Cambodian artefacts

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Prime Minister Hun Sen bows to a statue at a ceremony marking the return of a number of Cambodian artefacts. INFORMATION MINISTRY

Culture ministry, PM celebrate return of Cambodian artefacts

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts on March 17 held a ceremony to celebrate the return of a number of Cambodian artefacts, in the presence of Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Peace Palace.

The priceless cultural heritage items, representing the souls of manifold generations of Cambodians, were illegally taken abroad during the long periods of civil war and unrest in the recent past, the ministry stated in a press release.

“The peace brought by the Win-Win Policy under the wise leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen has provided a golden opportunity for Cambodia to guide the souls of our ancestors and precious treasures to their homeland, which brings happiness and harmony for the nation and the Cambodian people,” the release said.

The return of the latest batch of artefacts was “made possible” thanks to the involvement of the Cambodian and US governments, additional countries with “close” relations with the Kingdom, national and international experts, public and private institutions, and other partners, it added.

The ministry has been negotiating with institutions and private collectors to recover additional Cambodian artefacts, with support from foreign governments, it said, underscoring that each item returned fills Cambodians with pride, excitement and heartfelt gratitude.

“May the souls of the Cambodian ancestors who return to their homeland help bring the Kingdom of Cambodia peace, prosperity and harmony forever.”

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the