PHNOM PENH: On the morning of August 8, 2024, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary, graciously received a delegation from the Khmer Artists Association, led by Neak Oknha Mao Chamnan, the newly elected President of the Association, at the National Assembly building.
During the meeting, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary extended her heartfelt congratulations to Neak Oknha Mao Chamnan on her election as the President of the Khmer Artists Association in its sixth mandate. She expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of the founders, leaders, and all artists who have played a pivotal role in establishing and guiding the Association. She commended their contributions to the humanitarian cause and their dedication to preserving and promoting Cambodia's rich cultural heritage, which he described as the nation's soul.
The President of the National Assembly lauded the Khmer Artists Association for its extensive humanitarian work and social assistance efforts. These efforts include support for children, women, the elderly, and the disabled, as well as initiatives to promote gender equality in Cambodia. Particularly noteworthy is the Association's commitment to supporting elderly and ailing artists, a gesture President Khuon Sudary hailed as noble. She emphasized that these activities not only represent humanitarian action but also contribute to the preservation of Cambodia's living heritage, a valuable repository of societal experience.
In her remarks, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary highlighted the universal importance of culture as a vital bridge connecting nations, transcending political affiliations, race, and color. She noted that art serves as a unique bridge between individuals, facilitating communication without the need for language, and that it also acts as a powerful tool of diplomacy, advancing the interests of the country and its people.
The Khmer Artists Association, established in 2006, was originally formed with the goal of bringing artists together to support and assist one another. Neak Oknha Mao Chamnan briefed the National Assembly on the Association's progress, noting that under the patronage of the King and with the support of national leaders such as Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, Samdech Kittiprittbandit Bun Rany Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Red Cross, Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet, and Dr. Pech Chanmony, the Association has expanded its activities. These efforts include promoting national culture, engaging in humanitarian initiatives, raising public awareness on moral and ethical issues, supporting tourism, and combating social ills such as drug abuse and AIDS. Recently, the Association produced a video celebrating the grand opening of the Funan Techo canal and the "Smile" project.
Neak Oknha Mao Chamnan expressed her deep gratitude to the President of the National Assembly for taking the time to meet with the leaders and members of the Association, and for offering valuable recommendations during their meeting.