France Commits Technicians for Royal Palace Renovation in Cambodia

• 17 November 2023
• Local News
• 5441 Views

In a landmark meeting between His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni of the Kingdom of Cambodia and His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, a promising collaboration has emerged to rejuvenate Cambodia’s cultural heritage. A press release detailing the royal hearing unveiled France’s commitment to send technicians for the study and renovation of Pavillon Napoleon III within the grounds of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.

His Majesty, expressing his high expectations, outlined key areas of focus, including (1) the study project, renovation, and expansion of the National Museum by French experts. Furthermore, he emphasized (2) the collaboration between the National Museum and the Guimet Museum, (3) the restoration of bronze statues of Vishnu. The monarch also highlighted the significance of exhibiting Khmer artifacts in France and other museums.

President Emmanuel Macron reiterated the French Government’s dedication to supporting Cambodia’s cultural sector. He affirmed their commitment to projects such as the restoration and expansion of the National Museum and the exhibition of the bronze statue of Vishnu in France, alongside various artifacts. Responding to King Norodom Sihamoni’s request, Macron pledged to dispatch technicians for the study and renovation of Pavillon Napoleon III at the Royal Palace.

Macron commended the success of the intergovernmental mechanism overseeing the conservation of historical sites in the Angkor area, considering it a model of effective multilateralism. The president further assured ongoing assistance in various fields, particularly in health, encompassing human resource training, support for disease prevention programs, and the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

This cultural collaboration not only fortifies bilateral ties but also underscores the shared commitment to preserving and promoting Cambodia’s rich cultural legacy.

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