Siem Reap: Japan's government decided to continue providing US$900,000 to support phase seven of the Bayon conservation and restoration project. Bayon is a prominent temple in the Angkor site and a valuable part of Cambodia's World Heritage.
The United States government also announced continued funding of US$250,000 to the World Monuments Fund (WMF) for conservation and restoration work at Phnom Bakheng, an important historic structure in the Angkor area.
The aid announcements were made during the 42nd technical session of ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk, held on June 9–10, 2026.
The meeting was co-chaired by Pierre Vincent, Cultural and Cooperation Counsellor at the French Embassy in Cambodia, and Nagase Kensuke, Chargé d'Affaires at the Japanese Embassy in Cambodia. Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Dr ភឿង សកុណា and approximately 300 representatives of national and international institutions attended.
Speaking at the meeting, ភឿង សកុណា stressed the importance of international cooperation in conserving national cultural heritage and World Heritage. She also highlighted the potential impact of tensions and clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand border on cultural heritage, calling for international attention and support to protect and preserve these valuable assets for all humanity.
The continued Japanese and US assistance reflects a shared commitment to conserving and enhancing Cambodia's cultural heritage, which is both a source of national pride and a valuable asset for the world. By: សុខ ស៊ីណាន
