Koh Ker Temple was listed officially by UNESCO yesterday as a world heritage site.

During the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Saudi Arabia yesterday, UNESCO officially announced the listing of Koh Ker temple as a new world heritage site.

The Cambodian government is committed to conserving the archaeological site in accordance with principles set out by the World Heritage Committee.

Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona, led Cambodian delegates to join the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Koh Ker is a 10th-century temple complex and former capital of the Khmer Empire. It is located in Srayong Cheung village, Srayong commune, Kulen district, Preah Vihear province.

 
 
King Norodom Sihamoni yesterday thanked the World Heritge Committee for recognising Koh Ker for the cultural heritage of Cambodia.

Prime Minister Hun Manet said yesterday that September 17 will be remembered as an important historical day for the Cambodian nation.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to UNESCO who have confirmed ‘Koh Ker Temple’ as a new world heritage site. Especially, thanks to the support from those in government who submitted the request to UNESCO for listing the site,” he said.

Mr Hun Manet added that Preah Vihear provincial authorities and other relevant agencies must do their best to manage and preserve the Koh Ker temple area in accordance with the principles of the World Heritage Committee by preventing all illegal land encroachment, illegal construction, logging and deforestation.

UNESCO Representative to Cambodia, Sardar Umar Alam, congratulated Cambodia on this achievement: “The inscription of Koh Ker on the UNESCO World Heritage List constitutes a significant milestone for Cambodia, reaffirming our joint endeavour to protect and promote the values of cultural heritage for sustainable development.”

“As we celebrate, this achievement opens doors to numerous opportunities for sustainable tourism development and livelihood promotion. UNESCO will continue to work hand in hand with Cambodia for site conservation, including through scientific research, and to further promote the Khmer cultural heritage to the world.”