On 04 Nov 2023, Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni delivered a royal speech at the Official Inauguration Ceremony of the Western Causeway of Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap, marking a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Hun Manet, President of the Senate Vibolsena Pheakdey Say Chhum, and President of the High Privy Councillor Techo Hunsen. The event also saw the presence of esteemed guests, including the Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia, Ueno Atsushi, and UNESCO Representative in Phnom Penh, Sardar Umar Alam.
In his address, King Norodom Sihamoni expressed deep gratitude to Her Excellency Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, for her report on the achievements of the APSARA Authority, which has played a crucial role in maintaining the western causeway of Angkor Wat. The king also acknowledged the efforts of Professor Yoshiaki Ishizawa, Director of Sophia Asia Center for Research and Human Development, and His Excellency Augustine Sali, Chancellor of Sophia University, for their significant contributions to the conservation and research of the temple.
The Western Causeway of Angkor Wat temple is a masterpiece of Angkorian architecture, built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the 12th century. The temple’s inauguration marks another milestone in the country’s diplomatic relations with Japan, which has been a steadfast partner in the preservation and promotion of Cambodia’s cultural heritage.
The event also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in preserving cultural sites like Angkor Wat. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has provided significant support to the conservation and research efforts at Angkor, while institutions such as Sophia University have contributed to the training of Cambodian human resources in the field of conservation and research.
In conclusion, the Western Causeway of Angkor Wat temple’s inauguration is a testament to Cambodia’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage. The event also underscores the importance of diplomatic ties between Cambodia and Japan, which has been a valuable partner in promoting the country’s cultural values globally.
Key Highlights:
- The Western Causeway of Angkor Wat temple was inaugurated on 04 Nov 2023, marking a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of Cambodia’s cultural heritage.
- The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Hun Manet and President of the Senate Vibolsena Pheakdey Say Chhum.
- King Norodom Sihamoni expressed gratitude to Her Excellency Dr. Phoeurng Sackona for her report on the achievements of the APSARA Authority.
- The inauguration marks another milestone in Cambodia-Japan diplomatic relations, which has been a steadfast partner in preserving and promoting Cambodia’s cultural heritage.