Cambodian Leaders Congratulate 30th Anniversary of Angkor’s Listing as a World Heritage

Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and National Assembly President, Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin this morning extended their congratulations to the 30th anniversary of the inscription of Angkor Resort on the UNESCO World Heritage List (Dec. 14, 1992 – Dec. 14, 2022).

Each year, the Royal Government of Cambodia marks the inscription to remind all Cambodian people to love and participate in preserving the national heritage, especially to express their gratitude to our ancestors for their sacrifice for the cause of the glorious civilisation of Cambodia in the past and for the efforts of the country’s successive leaders in overcoming all obstacles to protect the heritage of national and global values, they wrote on their respective official Facebook pages.

To cheer the celebration, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in collaboration with Siem Reap provincial administration and APSARA National Authority will organise the “Memorial Night 2022” at the eastern compound of Angkor Wat Temple on Dec. 14.

The spectacular cultural event will showcase a variety of art forms, ranging from Lakhon Sbek Thom (big shadow puppet), Lkhon Khol (Cambodian classical masked theatre) to Chapei Dang Veng (Cambodian two-stringed, long-necked guitar) and Kun Lbokator (Cambodian traditional martial art), with the participation of nearly 300 artists.

Angkor Resort was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 16th meeting of the World Heritage Committee on Dec. 14, 1992 in Santa Fe, USA.

According to UNESCO, Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 square kilometres, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings.

Besides Angkor Resort, Cambodia has so far registered Preah Reach Troap Dance (Royal Ballet); Lakhon Sbek Thom; the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple; Teanh Prot (tug-of-war); Chapei Dang Veng; Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex; Lkhon Khol Wat Svay; and Kun Lbokator on the World Heritage List.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press