Culture minister Phoeurng Sackona and US ambassador W Patrick Murphy attend a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing event on Cultural Cooperation at the National Museum in Phnom Penh on August 30. Heng Chivoan
In a move to fortify cultural ties and preserve heritage, the US embassy in Phnom Penh and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts renewed their cultural cooperation agreement on August 30.
The signing took place at the National Museum in the capital and marks an extension of a commitment that has lasted two decades.
This makes Cambodia the only country in Southeast Asia to have such an agreement with the US.
The memorandum of understanding aims to curb the looting of irreplaceable archaeological material.
It also seeks to further the exchange of archaeological and ethnological materials for educational, cultural, and scientific ends.
This is designed to enhance public appreciation and access to the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, an initiative in place since 2003.
Over the past 20 years, the cooperation has yielded substantial results, including the return of more than 100 invaluable antiquities.
The agreement has also been instrumental in building the capacities of Cambodian professionals working in the domain of cultural heritage preservation.
During the ceremony, ambassador W Patrick Murphy announced an additional contribution.
A $450,000 award has been granted through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation to continue the restoration of Phnom Bakheng temple, a 9th-century architectural marvel.
“Both our countries recognise the power of culture to bring people together. The United States is proud of its contribution to restoring and preserving Cambodia’s cultural heritage for generations to come,” said Murphy.
Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona also addressed the issue of cultural looting.
“For decades, Cambodia’s cultural artefacts have been looted and acquired by private collectors and museums around the world. Effective measures to counter the illicit trade of artefacts and cultural property depend on close cooperation,” she said.
The minister stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration between the two nations to combat the illicit trade of artefacts.
Sackona also expressed gratitude towards the US for its unwavering support in the field of cultural protection and preservation.
Since 2001, the US has allocated nearly $6 million to a variety of cultural preservation projects across Cambodia.
These projects have ranged from the restoration of the Preah Vihear temple and supporting the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, to creating digital inventories for provincial museums and public education on heritage protection.
