Viettel Marathon 2024: Indochina Rendezvous at the Wonder of Angkor Wat
On December 10, 2024, the Viettel Marathon Organizing Committee officially announced that the grand finale of the Viettel Marathon 2024 international series will take place on December 22, 2024, at the iconic Angkor World Heritage Site in Cambodia.This much-anticipated event serves as the crown jewel of the season, promising a vibrant celebration of sports with the participation of 9,000 athletes from diverse countries and territories. The First International Marathon Across All Three Indochina Nations Viettel Marathon 2024 is the first-ever international marathon to span all three Indochina countries: Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The event is co-organized by the Vietnam Athletics Federation, the Cambodian Athletics Federation, and the Lao Athletics Federation, with Viettel Group – the parent company of Metfone – serving as a co-host and sponsor. The Asian Athletics Association provides expert consultation and oversight, and Vietcontent manages execution.The series comprises three stages: Luang Prabang, Laos (November 3, 2024), Hanoi, Vietnam (December 1, 2024), and Angkor Wat, Cambodia (December 22, 2024). Featuring AAA-standard certified routes, the marathon not only provides a competitive sports arena but also fosters cultural exchange and tourism cooperation among the participating nations. With a total prize pool of $150,000, making it one of the highest in the region, Viettel Marathon 2024 appeals to both professional and amateur athletes. The competition offers diverse award categories, including elite, amateur, club, and team events, creating opportunities for widespread participation and excitement. The Angkor Wat leg, taking place during the most picturesque time of the year, features flat and winding-free routes that offer athletes optimal conditions to achieve outstanding results.Beyond the race, participants can immerse themselves in Cambodia's rich culture and explore the breathtaking Angkor complex, which boasts more than 1,000 temples, including iconic landmarks such as Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm Temple, Phnom Kulen Mountain, the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, and the Siem Reap Night Market. Fostering Sportsmanship and Friendship Across Borders The marathon attracts leading athletes from across the region, including national athletics teams from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.Among the participants are star runners Nguyễn Thị Oanh, the 21km champion in Hanoi, and Nguyễn Văn Lai, the runner-up in the full marathon category, promising thrilling and high-caliber performances. More than just a race, Viettel Marathon 2024 serves as a cultural and diplomatic bridge, strengthening ties among the three Indochina nations and connecting them with the international community. The overwhelming success of the Laos and Vietnam stages, which garnered enthusiastic support from thousands of athletes and local spectators, underscores the widespread appeal of this event.The final stage at Angkor Wat is not only a meaningful sporting event but also a milestone in promoting cultural exchange and spreading the values of sportsmanship throughout the region and beyond. Get ready to join the electrifying atmosphere of the grand finale of Viettel Marathon 2024, where sports, culture, and friendship come together in perfect harmony.
The Consultative Assembly of Qatar to Strengthen Relations with Cambodia and Asia
Phnom Penh, December 11, 2024 – The Consultative Assembly of the State of Qatar is looking for more deeper relations with the legislative body of Cambodia and Asia. This remarks was made known in Doha yesterday morning when H.E. Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanim, Chairman of the Consultative Assembly of the State of Qatar received Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia.In the meeting, H.E. Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanim expressed his warm welcome to Samdech Techo Hun Sen and his delegation. Samdech Techo’s visit is a very good opportunity for promoting parliamentary relations and cooperation in various fields between our two countries, he said. H.E. Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanim further said that Qatari Parliament has relations and cooperation with parliaments of many friendly countries, but with parliaments in Asia, it hasn’t yet strong. H.E. Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanim suggested that a parliamentary summit should be organized to strengthen relations and cooperation. He expressed his hope that he will work with Samdech Techo on this matter as Qatar has played an important role in the region and the world and contributes to facilitating solutions to international issues such as Ukraine, Palestine and Afghanistan. H.E. Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanim appreciated Cambodia’s neutral stance on the Palestinian issue as now Qatar has worked hard to achieve a ceasefire in the interests of peace and the people. In reply, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his thanks for warm hospitality and thanked H.E. Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanim ‘s initiative on strengthening the bilateral relations between Cambodia and Qatar to build up a role of the Parliament in resolving regional and global issues. Samdech Techo Hun Sen laid stress that he is very pleased with his visit to the State of Qatar, which will strengthen relations between the legislative bodies, the governments, trade and investment between our two countries. The Cambodian Senate President also shared the Cambodia’s contribution to peace in the world as well the Universal Peace Charter which has been adopted at the 11th Plenary Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) in Phnom Penh recently.
“Krama” Inscribed on UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Krama Khmer (Cambodian scarf) was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, being held in Asunción, Paraguay tonight (Cambodian time).This is another new pride for the 7th-mandate Royal Government for having attained this achievement for the nation and the Cambodian people as a whole, wrote Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet in a message to his compatriots released tonight, stressing that this listing gives Cambodia and the international community the same obligation to preserve, protect and enhance the value of Krama as a legacy for the younger generation.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed his gratitude to Their Majesties the Queen-Mother and the King for their support to the Royal Government’s efforts in protecting the national cultural heritage, especially the vulnerable intangible cultural heritage.The Premier also spoke highly of the efforts and close cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and other institutions, national and international experts, Krama weaving community, Krama community as well as provincial and municipal authorities in making the inscription of Krama on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity a success.At the same time, Samdech Thipadei profoundly thanked all his compatriots for continuing to maintain, produce, and use Krama in their daily lives, which is the national identity and precious legacy.“Krama is an important part of the daily lives of Cambodian people from birth to death. They use it for various purposes, such as covering themselves, decorating themselves, making clothes in all forms, shielding themselves from the sun, wiping themselves, tying it as a baby's hammock and using it in various ceremonies […],” said the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.In 2018, Cambodia broke the Guinness World Records for the Longest Krama with a length of 1,149.8 metres and a width of 88 centimetres.The Kingdom has previously registered four of her heritage on Tangible Cultural Heritage List, six on Intangible Cultural Heritage List and three on Memory of the World Register to preserve the original form of culture and the priceless heritage left by Khmer ancestors as well as the memory of Cambodian history. The 13 listed Cambodian heritage include:1. Tangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: Angkor Archeological Park listed on Dec. 14, 1992; Preah Vihear Temple on July 7, 2008; Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex on July 8, 2017; and Koh Ker Archeological Site on Sept. 17, 2023.2. Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: Preah Reach Troap Dance (Royal Ballet) inscribed on Nov. 7, 2003; Lkhon Sbek Thom, the big shadow puppet theatre, on Nov. 25, 2005; Tean Prot (tug-of-war) on Dec. 2, 2015; Chapei Dang Veng, Cambodian two-stringed, long-necked guitar, on Nov. 30, 2016; Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet on Nov. 28, 2018; and Kun Lbokator, traditional martial art, on Nov. 29, 2022.3. Memory of the World Register: Tuol Sleng Genocide Archives registered on July 31, 2009, the Audio file of Reamker by Ta Krut on May 15, 2014; the story of Inav Bosiba on Oct. 30, 2017.
Three Main Activities Planned for 11th Sea Festival in Kampot Province
Phnom Penh, December 04, 2024 --Three key activities and events will be organised to ensure that the upcoming 11th Sea Festival, 3rd round, in Kampot province takes place with joy, excitement, and grandeur, said the Ministry of Tourism in a recent announcement.They include Live Performances of Artistic Shows and Concert, featuring participation from national and international artists, as well as renowned Cambodian singers, alongside spectacular fireworks display; Food and Beverage Festival, including exhibitions of local products and tourism development projects from coastal provinces, as well as displays of agri-tourism and locally-made products; and Water and Beach Sports Activities, with the participation of national and international athletes, the ministry pointed out.The 11th Sea Festival will be held from Dec. 13 to 15 under the high presidency of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony. Themed "Celebrating Heritage and Sustainability of Coastal Areas," the festival aims to enhance the value of local products and promote the tourism potential, especially to celebrate heritage and eco-tourism of Cambodia's coastal areas.The annual event will be organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Ministry of Commerce, the Kampot Provincial Administration, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, the Kampot Chamber of Commerce, relevant ministries and institutions, and the private sector.Cambodia has organised the Sea Festival since 2011 on a rotating basis in the country's four coastal provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kep, Koh Kong and Kampot to promote the tourism potential of the coastal areas as well as to encourage the participation from the private sector, the general public as well as other stakeholders in protecting and preserving marine resources and beach environment.Cambodia’s coastline stretches about 450 kilometres in the four provinces. It became member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World (World-Bays Club) in mid-2011.
Quelque 3 000 jeunes arbres plantés dans le Parc d’Angkor
Phnom Penh, December 02, 2024 --Some 3,000 saplings were recently planted in Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap province, to help increase green cover to attract tourists.The tree planting ceremony, organized by the APSARA National Authority (ANA) in collaboration with Manulife Insurance Company, was presided over by Dr. Hang Poeu, Director General of ANA.Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Hang Peou highlighted the significant contribution of trees in protecting ancient temples from strong winds, environmental toxins and heatwaves.Planting trees creates a green belt around ancient temples and also saves Angkor, the heritage of humanity, not just Cambodia, he said.The Director General of ANA also highly appreciated the participation of Manulife, a multinational company, in preserving Angkor.Since 2004, ANA has planted more than 2 million trees in the Angkor Archaeological Park, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 16th meeting of the World Heritage Committee held on December 14, 1992 in Santa Fe, United States.
Senate President: Without Dec. 2 Front and Jan. 7 Victory, There Would Be Nothing Like Today
Phnom Penh, December 02, 2024 --Every citizen clearly understands that without the establishment of the Dec. 2 Front and the Jan. 7 Victory, there would be nothing like today.The remarks were made by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate and President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), on his social media networks this morning, on the occasion of the 46th founding anniversary of the Solidarity Front for the Development of Cambodian Motherland (SFDCM), formerly known as the Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation (KUFNS).“This is the truth of history,” underlined Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who was a key figure in the establishment of a national movement to liberate the country from the Khmer Rouge regime.The KUFNS was formed by the great unity of the people, both inside and outside the country, including Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, Honorary President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King, late Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Thamma Pothisal Chea Sim, and Samdech Techo Hun Sen with many other patriots to successfully topple the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime on Jan. 7, 1979.Established at Snuol Liberation Area in Snuol district, Kratie province on Dec. 2, 1978, the KUFNS was now renamed the “Solidarity Front for the Development of Cambodian Motherland”, a leading mass organisation of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), he recalled.“In response to the Front’s call, Cambodian people everywhere stood up and united as a national unity force, with the great support from the Vietnamese Volunteer Army and near and far friends around the world to overthrow the Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge regime) until the glorious victory on Jan. 7, 1979,” he continued.The great victory of Jan. 7, 1979 ended the darkest period in Cambodian history, and opened a new era, in which Cambodian people regained their rights, freedoms and opportunities to rebuild their homeland, he stressed.Samdech Techo Hun Sen also on all his compatriots to uphold the spirit of solidarity and to maintain the hard-earned peace so that the country sees more development and prosperity.
What is the Universal Peace Charter?
Phnom Penh, November 30, 2024 --The Universal Peace Charter for People and the Planet adopted this week by the 11th Plenary Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) contains four chapters and 20 articles.The introduction states that the charter is aligned with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and other universally recognised international treaties and conventions including the Bandung Declaration of 1955.It is guided by the rule of international law and norms such as the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia of 1976 — a legally binding code for countries in the ASEAN region and beyond.Chapter 1 outlines the charter’s purposes and principles. The purposes are “to promote peace, tolerance, reconciliation and sustainable development through enhanced multi-stakeholder dialogues and collaborations in a universal architecture of peacebuilding built upon the spirits of inclusive multilateralism and the fundamental principles of solidarity, tranquillity, international law, free and fair trade, good-neighbourliness, friendship, interdependence, fairness, justice, mutual trust, mutual prosperity and development, universal values and peaceful co-existence.”The principles are “unity in diversity, national sovereignty, territorial integrity, good-neighbourliness, non- aggression, non-interference, and co-prosperity; mutual respect, mutual understanding, mutual trust and mutual interest for peace and prosperity; tolerance, love, equality, fairness and justice; peaceful co-existence and peaceful settlement of disputes and differences; and a culture of peace and dialogue.”Chapter 2 provides for 11 areas of cooperation – conflict prevention; leadership for peace; economic cooperation; transitional justice; food, water and energy security; climate and environmental security; women, peace and security; education and youth; science, technology and innovation; religious and cultural tolerance; and media and information integrity.Chapter 3 describes membership and responsibilities. “Membership is open to all states and entities,” it says. States refer to governments, parliaments, and inter-governmental organisations. Entities refer to international non-governmental organisations, international private organisations and civil society organisations.Chapter 4 contains miscellaneous provisions for working mechanisms, a governance structure and the possible establishment of a Peacebuilding Foundation to implement projects and programmes in cooperation with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and other peace foundations or organisations.At a ceremony for co-sponsors 24 Nov. 24, the eight-page charter was signed by H.E. Ahmed bin Mohammed Aljarwan of the United Arab Emirates, President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace; H.E. Suos Yara, President of the Commission on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Media of the National Assembly of Cambodia and President of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (2023-2024); H.E. Dr. Dev Raj Ghimire, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal; H.E. Dr. Epainete Djanrang Sende, 5th Vice President of the Transitional National Council of Chad; H.E. Ms. Celmira Sacramento, President of the National Assembly of São Tomé and Príncipe; Samdech Moha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia and Chairperson of the 11th Plenary Session of the IPTP; and Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia and Honorary Chair of the 11th Plenary Session.Delegates from 53 countries attended the IPTP meeting in Phnom Penh from Nov. 23 to 26, mostly from Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Cambodian Top Leaders Congratulate 8th Anniversary of Chapei Dang Veng’s Inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Phnom Penh, November 30, 2024 --Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet have expressed their congratulations on the celebration of the 8th anniversary of the listing of Chapei Dang Veng, a Cambodian two-stringed, long-necked guitar, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.“This Nov. 30, 2024 is the 8th anniversary of Chapei Dang Veng’s inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List,” they wrote on their social media networks this morning.“Protecting cultural heritage is the responsibility of every Cambodian,” reiterated Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet.Chapei Dang Veng was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding on Nov. 30, 2016, at the eleventh session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Conference Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Cambodia has so far registered Angkor Archaeological Site; Preah Reach Troap Dance (Royal Ballet); Lakhon Sbek Thom (big shadow puppet); the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple; Teanh Prot (tug-of-war), a popular recreational game; Chapei Dang Veng; Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex; Lkhon Khol Wat Svay; Kun Bokator, Cambodian martial art; and Koh Ker Archaeological Site on the World Heritage List.
APSARA National Authority Unveils New Stairs to Angkor Wat's Bakan Tower
Phnom Penh, November 28, 2024 --The APSARA National Authority celebrated the inauguration of new southeast stairs leading to the Bakan Tower of Angkor Wat Temple, enhancing accessibility for visitors, the authority said in a news release on Nov. 27.Mr. Tes Sothy, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism Development and Culture, announced that the new stairs have been constructed to facilitate tourist access to the Bakan Tower.The existing stairs on the northeast side will be dismantled to allow for restoration work on that terrace. The newly installed stairs measure 15 metres in length and 2.25 metres in width, with construction completed over a span of three months.Mr. Sothy emphasised the sturdiness of the construction, which features a steel framework and wooden steps. The design has been carefully refined and coloured to harmonise with the temple's stonework. He urged visitors to exercise caution while using the stairs to ensure their safety.As the northeast stairs are set for removal, the APSARA National Authority is collaborating with the Korea Heritage Agency on a project aimed at restoring the Bakan terrace.
His Majesty the King Leaves for a Two-day State Visit to Vietnam
Phnom Penh, November 28, 2024 --His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath NORODOM Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, departed here this morning for the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for a two-day State Visit, at the invitation of H.E. LUONG Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.The monarch was seen off at Phnom Penh International Airport by Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, and many other high-ranking officials as well as royal family members.According to a press release of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC), during the State Visit on Nov. 28-29, His Majesty the King will hold royal audiences with Vietnamese leaders to exchange view on cordial relations in line with the spirit of good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term stability between the two countries.“The State Visit of His Majesty the King to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam will mark a significant milestone in the two countries' enduring relations and contribute to further deepening the bonds of excellent relationship and beneficial cooperation between the two countries,” stressed the source.
Cambodia’s Koh Ker, a Top Place to Go in Asia in 2025
Phnom Penh, November 27, 2024 --Fodor’s, a producer of English-language travel guides and online tourism information, has suggested 25 places across the world on their 2025 Go To List, and in Asia they recommended Koh Ker Temple complex in Cambodia.“This spectacular temple complex, granted UNESCO World Heritage status in late 2023, has Asia’s only seven-tiered temple. It was the capital of Cambodia’s Khmer Empire between 928 and 944 C.E. and comprises 80 temples, many of which are on the verge of being reclaimed by the surrounding jungle; structures such as Prasat Pram have tendril-like banyan tree roots wrapped so tightly around them that they would be significantly less stable were they ever removed,” Fodor’s Travel commented.In 2024, the Koh Ker archaeological site was recommended by the New Times as a must visit temple.Koh Ker, referred to in Khmer ancient inscriptions as Chok Gargyar, is a 10th-century temple complex and former capital of the Khmer Empire, situated in Preah Vihear, a northern province of Cambodia.Two other destinations – Meghalaya of India and Nikko of Jpan - are also the top places to go in Asia in 2025, according to Fodor’s Travel.
New Vice Presidents of Senate Elected
Phnom Penh, November 26, 2024 --H.E. Ouch Borith, Second Vice President of the Senate, has been elected First Vice President of the Senate, in replacement of H.E. Prak Sokhonn who has recently resumed his post as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.The election took place in the 2nd session of the 5th legislature of Senate held at the Senate Palace here on Nov. 25 under the chairmanship of its President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen with the participation of 58 senators.At the same time, H.E. Dr. Thun Vathana was elected Second Vice President of the Senate in replacement of H.E. Ouch Borith.Besides, the Senate announced to acknowledge H.E. Ngeth Chatdavy as new senator for first regional constituency and H.E. Yos Phanita as a member of the Senate Commission on Economy, Finance, Banking and Audit.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen: Peace is the Cornerstone of Cambodia's National Development and an Absolute Priority
Phnom Penh, November 25, 2024 --Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Hun Sen, President of Senate of Cambodia stressed that peace is the cornerstone of Cambodia's national development and an absolute priority.While receiving a courtesy visit from the Heads of Delegation participating in the 11th Plenary Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP), prior to the official opening ceremony in Phnom Penh on Sunday, Samdech Techo Hun Sen said after decades of conflict, Cambodia understands the profound impact of war and places the highest value on maintaining and strengthening lasting peace. This commitment is deeply rooted in the country’s experience and serves as a guiding principle to its commitment to the consolidation of peace.On the occasion, international delegates hailed Cambodia’s remarkable progress in many sectors and its transformation from a war-torn nation to a country of peace and development.They hailed the visionary leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen for guiding the country towards peace, political stability and growth, as well as Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet's efforts to preserve and ensure long-term peace and prosperity within the seventh legislative mandate.The IPTP is a legislative body of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace (GCTP) established since 2017 to provide a platform for national parliament members to discuss and cooperate on issues of contemporary world peace. It has members from more than 100 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America. The Cambodian NA joined the network in 2021.The IPTP's 11th plenary session, which runs until Monday, expects to launch a Phnom Penh Declaration that adopts the Peace Charter to promote peace, tolerance, and sustainable development through multilateral dialogue and cooperation.
Cambodia Hosts 12th ICAPP in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, November 22, 2024 --Cambodia is hosting the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) under the theme "A Quest for Peace and Reconciliation".Over 200 delegates from 57 political parties in 42 countries are participating in the four-day assembly.The event aims to foster dialogue and cooperation among Asian political parties, addressing regional and global challenges.As the host country, the Royal Government of Cambodia emphasises its commitment to peace and reconciliation.The country's own journey towards peace and stability after decades of conflict serves as a valuable lesson for other nations in the region.The 12th ICAPP General Assembly, which will run till Nov. 24, will feature a series of discussions and workshops on various topics, including regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.Cambodia will also host the 3rd Meeting of the Asian Cultural Council (ACC), the 7th ICAPP Press Forum, and related meetings, along with chairing the ICAPP General Assembly.The event is expected to conclude with the adoption of a declaration outlining the key outcomes and recommendations of the assembly.ICAPP was established in 2000 to bring together political parties across Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania for dialogues to promote regional cooperation, peace, and prosperity for all. It is one of the largest political party networks in Asia, with more than 350 members from 52 countries.Cambodia became a member of ICAPP in 2003 and was entrusted to host the 6th ICAPP General Assembly for the first time in 2010 with commendable results.
Cambodian Prime Minister Calls for Further Contribution from Influencers to Promote Cambodia
Phnom Penh, November 21, 2024 --Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has thanked and called on all local social media influencers to further create positive contents about Cambodia to boost the country’s tourism.“I would like to encourage positive promotion about Cambodia because it will attract more tourists to the country. Of course, no country is perfect, but positive promotion is for our Cambodia as a whole,” he said at the graduation ceremony of more than 8,000 students of the Royal University of Phnom Penh here this morning.The Premier added that flights to Cambodia were fully booked when the Kingdom was celebrating the three-day Water Festival last week.“Thanks all social media influencers who have taken part in promoting the event,” he underlined, stressing that social media influencers are more active to share and promote the truth about Cambodia without too much expense.According to the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia's annual celebration of Water Festival drew more than 7.8 million visitors, including 89,296 foreign tourists, up 21.4 and 28.7 percent, respectively compared to the same period last year.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said this traditional event was conducted smoothly and joyfully while preserving the Kingdom's unique tradition and culture, delighting both domestic and foreign tourists.
Three Gecko Species Discovered in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, November 20, 2024 --The Wild Earth Allies in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS) has announced the discovery of three slender gecko species in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains.According to the Wild Earth Allies issued on Nov. 19, two of these species are newly described to science, and one represents a new country record for Cambodia. The species were discovered by Wild Earth Allies Conservation Manager Neang Thy and Dr. Bryan Stuart of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.Their findings, published in Zootaxa, underscore the importance of conservation in Cambodia, one of Southeast Asia’s most biodiverse countries. The discoveries were made in close collaboration with the General Department of Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environment.Neang identified the newly described slender gecko species, Hemiphyllodactylus bokor sp. nov. and Hemiphyllodactylus samkos sp. nov., through detailed morphological and molecular analyses in collaboration with Dr. Stuart. These species were discovered in the Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, Kampot province, and Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary, Pursat province—two critical wildlife areas situated at opposite ends of the Cardamom Mountains.The authors also documented Hemiphyllodactylus typus in Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, marking its first recorded presence in Cambodia. While both H. typus and the newly identified species, H. bokor sp. nov., occur in Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, H. typus appears to be at lower elevations and H. bokor sp. nov. at higher elevations.“These discoveries mark a significant step forward in our understanding of Cambodia’s rich biodiversity,” said Neang. “The new species highlight the incredible biodiversity hidden within the Cardamom Mountains and a clear need for ongoing research and conservation in Cambodia.”Neang and Dr. Stuart recently collaborated on describing a new species of bent-toed gecko, the Royal Cave Bent-toed Gecko (Cyrtodactylus regicavernicolus), also found in southern Cambodia. With these findings, Neang has now contributed to the discovery and description of 31 species.“Thy’s field discoveries show that different blocks within the Cardamom Mountains harbour unique species,” said Dr. Stuart. “They emphasise the need to conserve areas throughout the mountain range in order to protect its phenomenal biodiversity.”
H.E. Prak Sokhonn Approved as New Foreign Minister of Cambodia
Phnom Penh, November 20, 2024 --The National Assembly (NA) has unanimously approved the appointment of H.E. Prak Sokhonn, First Vice President of the Senate, as the new Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in replacement of H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea who will remain a Deputy Prime Minister.The approval was made in the NA’s 3rd session of 7th legislature, held here at the NA Palace this morning under the chairmanship of NA President Samdech Moha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary with the participation of 112 lawmakers.H.E. Prak Sokhonn has an extensive experience in diplomacy. He has held various key positions in the government and used to be ambassadors to different countries before taking up the role of deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation from 2016 to 2023.In September, Tourism Minister H.E. Sok Soken was approved by the NA as Minister of Inspection, while Inspection Minister H.E. Huot Hak became Minister of Tourism.These minor cabinet reshuffles have been viewed by experts as a move to further enhance the effectiveness of government institutions.
Cambodia Reaffirms Continued Attention to Youth
Phnom Penh, November 19, 2024 --Under the astute leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the country remains committed to prioritising the youth by focusing on four key areas: human capital development, sustainable and just economic, environmental regeneration, and social transformation.The remarks were made by H.E. Sok Soken, Vice-Chairman of the 6th Sub-Committee of the IDC-CDI Executive Committee Meeting and Minister of Inspection, while chairing the first Special Forum on “The Role of Youth in Peace, Dialogue, Co-existence, and Addressing Their Challenges,” held in Siem Reap provincial city on Nov. 18.On this occasion, H.E. Minister emphasised a fundamental principle of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which Cambodia has embraced: “there can be no sustainable development without peace, and no peace without sustainable development.”Moreover, he recounted Cambodia's experience of enduring the ravages of war, particularly the most brutal genocide that inflicted profound suffering and loss upon the Cambodian people, and the ongoing quest for comprehensive peace in the nation.On the same day, following the Special Forum, H.E. Sok Soken also attended the Discussion on “Peace Charter: For People and the Planet” as part of the IDC-CDI Executive Committee Meeting, chaired by H.E. Nemeth Zsolt, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Hungarian National Assembly with the participation of H.E. Andres Pastrana, President of the IDC-CDI, H.E. Sok Siphana, Senior Minister and many other distinguished guests.
A Cruise Ship with Nearly 2,000 Tourists on Board Visit Sihanoukville
Phnom Penh, November 19, 2024 --A tourist ship named "NOORDAM", carrying a total of 1,865 tourists of 43 different nationalities, 987 of whom are women, is paying a day-long visit to Sihanoukville of Preah Sihanouk province.The 285.43-metre-long, 32.25-metre-wide and 8-metre-deep cruise ship sailing under the flag of the Netherlands docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port early this morning.According to an immigration police officer, most of the tourists are American (677), Australian (354) and Canadian (207). They visited cultural resorts, beaches and other tourist attractions in the Preah Sihanouk coastal province.Coming from Vietnam, the cruise ship with 776 crewmembers of 35 different nationalities, of them 136 are women, will depart for Thailand this afternoon, he added.Since the beginning of this year, more and more tourism vessels bringing along thousands of multinational tourists and crewmembers visited Cambodia via the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.Tourism is a priority sector in promoting Cambodia’s macroeconomic growth and social development and is expected to take up the biggest part in the country's GDP in the near future.
First Phase of Ancient Makara Sculpture Repair Completed
Phnom Penh, November 19, 2024 --The APSARA National Authority has successfully completed the first phase of repairs on the ancient drainage system featuring a Makara sculpture, said the authority, pointing out that this project, initiated in mid-May 2024, was finalised in November 2024.According to Ms. Boeut Sopak, an engineer with the APSARA National Authority, the repair work focused on an 18-metre section of the Makara drainage system. The restoration team undertook several tasks, including collecting scattered stones, excavating the area, conducting research, and registering the stones. They repaired and reinforced the damaged stones and reorganised the body of the Makara.Additionally, the team studied the foundation to ensure the sculpture's strength and durability, addressing water flow issues that had previously compromised the integrity of the structure, she added.Prior to the restoration, Ms. Boeut Sopak continued, the condition of the stone sculptures had deteriorated significantly. The body had shifted from its original location, with natural stones no longer functioning as a drainage system due to age and lack of maintenance. Erosion from water had further weakened the foundation and displaced supporting stones.With the completion of this renovation, the APSARA National Authority has restored a large and rare single Makara sculpture, which is now accessible for tourists. The site also features dams, diving areas, and animal sculptures, as well as quarries used for building ancient temples.In conjunction with the restoration of the Makara sculpture, the APSARA National Authority is also working on improving access roads to the location for easier travel.The Makara sculpture, an ancient dam, is situated in Teuk Lech village, Boeung Mealea commune, Svay Leu district, Siem Reap province, approximately 3 kilometres southwest of Beng Mealea Temple.