Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – On February 4th, the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts held its annual summary meeting, comprehensively reviewing the achievements in cultural heritage protection in 2025 and outlining the work plan for the new year. The meeting was chaired by Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phong Sakna. The report indicated that Cambodia made breakthrough progress in the repatriation of overseas cultural relics and the protection of domestic heritage in the past year.
The report showed that in 2025, Cambodia actively promoted the recovery and protection of lost cultural relics, receiving a total of 1,841 artifacts transferred from both domestic and international sources. This achievement demonstrates the Cambodian government's firm determination to safeguard national cultural sovereignty.
Furthermore, the repatriation efforts continue to accelerate. The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts disclosed plans to repatriate 161 precious Khmer artifacts from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore by 2026. Currently, relevant departments are working closely with international partners to ensure the smooth return of these cultural treasures.
Regarding the management of movable cultural relics, as of November 21, 2025, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts had registered a total of 8,255 cultural relics, works of art, and ethnographic items, of which 6,620 had completed detailed inventory compilation. To improve ownership management, the Ministry has issued legal ownership certificates for 362 cultural relics and continues to conduct cultural relic valuation and digital database entry work.
Regarding the protection of immovable heritage, a total of 1,095 historical buildings and sites underwent restoration and protection projects throughout the year. Simultaneously, the technical team conducted scientific and professional conservation treatments on 5,061 movable cultural relics, effectively extending their lifespan.
Minister Phongsakna highly praised the progress made in 2025 at the meeting. She emphasized that cultural heritage is the embodiment of the nation's soul, and in 2026, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts will continue to deepen cooperation with the international community, improve the legal framework for cultural relic protection, and utilize modern technology to enhance the monitoring and management of cultural heritage, ensuring the permanent inheritance of Cambodia's splendid civilization.
