Prime Minister Hun Manet urged provincial authorities to celebrate the historic listing of Koh Ker Temple as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a display of slideshows nationwide today.

The Prime Minister proposed the idea during a meeting with more than 18,000 factory workers in Takeo province yesterday. He urged the provincial authorities to begin the slideshow at 7am today for the people to join the celebrations of the historic achievement and to promote the spirit of nationalism and as a tribute to the ancestors.

The World Heritage Committee meeting in Riyadh decided to inscribe the famous temple site on the UNESCO World Heritage List on Sunday.

Mr Hun Manet also suggested the beating of drums in all major public places, including ministries and institutions in the capital, provinces and pagodas as well as in all towns to show the pride and joy on this historic occasion.

He added that there will be an event in the evening at the National Olympic Stadium which will go live on all television channels and online.

The Premier said, “The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and relevant institutions in cooperation with Phnom Penh City Hall and the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia are trying to make it a big event. This is the moment we have to unite for our national honour and promote the cultural heritage. We must stay united regardless of political differences.”

Mr Hun Manet added that it is a matter of pride that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has unanimously decided to list the Koh Ker temple, which was built by Khmer ancestors more than a thousand years ago, as a World Heritage Site.

“I am very hopeful of what Cambodia can do on the international stage,” he said.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration said it will hold a ceremony at the National Olympic Stadium this evening under the chairmanship of Mr Hun Manet to celebrate the historic event of the inscription of the Koh Ker temple as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The municipal administration will organise live slideshows at the park in front of Botum Pagoda in Daun Penh district, at Preah Neang Prachnha Barami park in Chroy Changvar district and at the Freedom Park near Russey Keo flyover in Russey Keo district.

The Phnom Penh administration said that they hope to see people coming out in large numbers to watch the slideshows.