AKP Phnom Penh, June 11, 2026 --

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) concluded in Siem Reap province with renewed international support for Cambodia’s cultural heritage conservation, highlighting major contributions from France to temple restoration and sustainable site management.

Among the key outcomes, participants expressed strong satisfaction with the progress of the West Mebon Temple conservation and restoration project, implemented through cooperation between the Government of the French Republic and the APSARA National Authority.

After 14 years of implementation and French financial support totaling 12 million euros, the restoration project is expected to be completed in November 2026. An official inauguration ceremony is anticipated to take place during the 20th Francophonie Summit scheduled for the same month.

The session also recognised France’s continued contribution to the development of a comprehensive master plan for water management within the Angkor site under the SDGERA project.

Implemented through cooperation between the APSARA National Authority and French institutions including SIAVB, SIAAP, AGERA, and Versailles Grand Parc, the initiative seeks to promote sustainable water resource management, protect Angkor’s ancient hydrological system, and strengthen institutional capacity. The project has mobilised approximately 1 million euros in financial contributions to date.

Participants further reaffirmed support for initiatives aimed at strengthening human resource development, transferring technical expertise, enhancing archaeological research and restoration documentation, and advancing tourism-related infrastructure and interpretation facilities in line with the objectives set out in the Declaration of the 4th Intergovernmental Conference on Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk, dated Nov. 15, 2023.

The session also acknowledged progress in developing legal and planning frameworks for land use, urban planning, and construction management across Zones 1 and 2 of the Angkor World Heritage Site, covering all 114 villages.

Held on June 9-10 at Sokha Angkor Hotel, 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 brought together around 300 participants, including representatives of the Royal Government of Cambodia, diplomatic missions, and national and international institutions.

By C. Nika