ANGKOR: The World Monument Fund of the United States commemorated the 35th anniversary of its mission and the handover of three conservation and restoration sites at Angkor Park to the APSARA National Authority on January 26, 2024.

The handover ceremony of the three restoration sites, Ta Som Temple, Preah Khan Temple, and Angkor Wat's Eastern Gallery, was presided over by Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, and Director-General of APSARA National Authority, Dr. Hang Peou, as well as many officials and partners of the restoration and conservation of the ancient temples.

Dr. Phoeurng Sackona stated that the APSARA National Authority will continue to maintain these three temples and Cambodia will forever remember the contribution of the World Monument Fund to the protection of Cambodia's national heritage. She said that Cambodia looks forward to continuing to work with the World Monument Fund on a wide range of issues, including the exchange of skills on conservation, youth forums for heritage management, archeological research, joint workshops to share experiences and more.

Benedicte De Montlaur, President and CEO of the World Monument Fund, said that the World Monument Fund's involvement in the restoration of the Angkor site began in 1989 with a field mission to assess the temple situation in response to the request of the Late King Norodom Sihanouk. Since then the World Monument Fund has developed a comprehensive conservation and training program to complement the efforts of the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA).