Siem Reap, March 14, 2024: Siem Reap provincial city opened its doors to the 38th Technical Session of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Sites of Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk (ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk), marking a significant moment for cultural preservation efforts in Cambodia.

The event, overseen by Mrs. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and President of the APSARA National Authority, saw the participation of notable co-chairs including Mr. TANINAI Ichitomo, Minister/Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, and Mr. Pierre VINCENT, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of France in Cambodia.

During the session, Mr. Ichitomo highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Japan and the APSARA National Authority, which dates back over 30 years. He specifically noted Japan's involvement in several restoration projects within the Angkor site since 1994, with the restoration of Angkor Wat's western causeway, completed in two phases and officially inaugurated in December 2023, standing out as a crowning achievement.

Mr. Ichitomo also touched on the collaborative efforts at the Sambor Prei Kuk site, emphasizing the enduring partnership aimed at ensuring the sustainable conservation of Cambodia's heritage.

The APSARA National Authority announced that the 38th Technical Session would be followed by a Plenary Session on March 15, chaired by the French Ambassador, Mr. Jacques PELLET, and the Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, Mr. UENO Atsushi.

Prior to the formal discussions, a team of conservation and sustainable development experts conducted site visits to Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk to oversee, evaluate, and provide guidance on ongoing projects, aligning their recommendations with the core principles outlined in the Angkor Charter.