The Rebirth of West Mebon and the Franco-Cambodian Legacy

Detailed summary

SIEM REAP - After 14 years, the monumental restoration of West Mebon temple has been completed, a 11th-century sacred palace standing at the heart of ...

SIEM REAP - After 14 years, the monumental restoration of West Mebon temple has been completed, a 11th-century sacred palace standing at the heart of Cambodia’s ancient city.

To honour the Franco-Cambodian relationship, the temple will be inaugurated by King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia and French President Emmanuel Macron on Nov. 16, marking another historical moment in the two countries’ cultural diplomacy.

The visit by the French President will be held alongside the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, a high-level meeting conducted every two years, bringing together important decision-makers from more than 90 countries and governments.

“The visit by His Majesty and the French President to this temple is evidence to the world that Cambodia and France both have established a long-lasting friendship for more than a century, a historical friendship in terms of culture”, said Hang Peou, director general of APSARA National Authority who oversees Angkor Archaeological Park.

Since the late 19th century, French specialists have documented a great deal of Cambodia’s archaeological sites, many of which are useful for research today. A lot of restorations were made alongside archaeological findings of remarkable scales.

“Not only have they restored numerous ancient monuments in Cambodia, French specialists have also co-chaired the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor, forming and supporting the mechanism for the preservations of the sites”, he added.

Prior to the equal partnership between Cambodia and France on the restoration of West Mebon temple, French specialists have for decades trained APSARA Authority’s human resources for decades, from leaders to employees.

From 2012 to 2026, nearly $14 million were spent on the restoration, approximately five million from Cambodia and almost eight million from France.

The West Mebon temple is one of the island temples of the Angkor site, which appeared towards the end…

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