Japan and United States Extend Over $1 Million in Combined Aid for Khmer Temple Conservation

Proeksa Meas
24 June 2026
Local News
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The governments of Japan and the United States have extended their financial commitment to Cambodia’s cultural heritage by providing a combined total of approximately $1,150,000 to support ongoing conservation and restoration efforts at historic Khmer temples. The funding announcements were highlighted during the forty-second Technical Committee Meeting of the International Coordinating Committee for Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk, which took place from June 9 to June 10, 2026. The high-level conference was chaired by HE Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, and drew around 300 participants, including ambassadorial representatives alongside experts from various national and international institutions.

Under the new aid allocations, the Government of Japan has committed $900,000 to launch the seventh phase of the conservation and repair project at the iconic Bayon Temple. Concurrently, the United States Government announced an allocation of $250,000 to the World Monuments Fund to continue restoration operations at Phnom Bakheng Temple. These resources will ensure that both ancient structures receive essential technical maintenance, architectural safeguarding, and structural stabilization using international preservation standards.

The international assembly also highlighted the successful progress of the West Mebon temple restoration project, celebrating it as an exemplary model of bilateral cooperation between the Government of France and the APSARA National Authority. This complex initiative has spanned 14 years, backed by €12 million in French funding. According to statements from the APSARA National Authority, the West Mebon project is scheduled to wrap up in November 2026. An official inauguration ceremony is being planned to coincide with the twentieth Francophonie Summit in November 2026, alongside reviews of other development projects managed by global partner institutions. (read more)