PREAH VIHEAR: The Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and the Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, Lt. Gen. Hun Manet, has spoken about the benefits of living along the border, with the peace policy of the head of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen. He said that through the Prime Minister's vision, the border area has been transformed from a war-torn area into an area which is peaceful and prosperous, bringing prosperity to the people.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new temple and the achievements of the historical pagoda "Wat Morodok Techo Boreysvarak,” and the 14th anniversary celebration of the registration of the Temple of Preah Vihear as a World Heritage in Sra Em commune, Choam Ksant district, Preah Vihear province on Wednesday, 6 July, Lt. Gen. Hun Manet stated that Prime Minister Hun Sen's peaceful border policy has opened up opportunities for people living along the border area to form villages by organizing development areas with the construction of infrastructure, roads, schools, pagodas, markets, trade, and water supply systems to facilitate people's livelihoods.
He added that the state of development in such border areas also plays an important role in strengthening cooperation and relations between people in the area and people living close to the borders through economic, cultural and tourism exchange.
"Of course, building this from scratch with bare hands is difficult, but maintaining this to ensure the sustainability of all those achievements is even more difficult," he said. "The Cambodian people at this base, as well as throughout the country, please continue to unite as a force of great unity of the Khmer nation to continue maintaining the defense of our Khmer nation, to grow and remain immortal for future generations.”
At the same time, the RCAF Deputy Commander also announced that the Royal Government of Cambodia will continue to strictly implement the principles of protecting territorial integrity without loss or abuse, and commits to ensuring the continued development of the border area and transforming the area of the former battlefield into a region of peace, stability and economic growth.
The Prime Minister will continue leading to ensure the absolute protection of the integrity of the Temple of Preah Vihear and the surrounding area, which is a cultural and historical heritage for Cambodia, as well as continue to work toward preserving this status accordance with the technical standards of UNESCO.
Considering the inauguration ceremony of the new temple and the achievements made in this historical pagoda, "Wat Morodok Techo Boreysvarak" is another example that shows the difference between the past and the present. In the past, this region was an uninhabited area rich in landmines and unexploded ordnance, and with no infrastructure. Today, however, there are pagodas, schools, health centers and many other important infrastructures that serve the daily needs of the people. This region is also home to a protected area of Khmer cultural heritage and universal value, and also represents the harmony between ancient temples, the natural environment, and the community.
