AKP Phnom Penh, June 11, 2026 --

Japan and the United States have reaffirmed their continued support for the conservation and restoration of Cambodia’s historic temples during the 42nd Technical Session of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk (ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk) held in Siem Reap province on June 9-10.

According to a press release issued last night by the APSARA National Authority and the National Authority for Sambor Prei Kuk, the session gathered representatives from the Royal Government of Cambodia, diplomatic missions, international institutions, and heritage experts to review ongoing preservation efforts and strengthen cooperation in protecting Cambodia’s cultural heritage.

During the session, the Government of Japan welcomed and reaffirmed its support for the launch of the seventh consecutive phase of the conservation and restoration project at Bayon Temple, with financial assistance amounting to US$900,000.

Meanwhile, the Government of the United States reaffirmed its continued commitment to heritage conservation by providing US$250,000 to the World Monuments Fund to support ongoing restoration and conservation work at Phnom Bakheng Temple.

The 42nd ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk Technical Session was co-chaired by Mr. Pierre Vincent, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of France, and Mr. Nagase Kensuke, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the Embassy of Japan.

The event was graced by the presence of H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts.

During the session, H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona expressed concern over the impact of recent tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border on national and World Heritage sites. She stressed the importance of maintaining international attention and strengthening collective efforts to protect these cultural assets as part of humanity’s shared heritage.

The 42nd ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk Technical Session was concluded with renewed commitment to strengthen conservation efforts and international partnership in preserving Cambodia’s historic and cultural treasures for future generations.

By C. Nika