King Norodom Sihamoni Friday called on Cambodians to retain the country's historical and cultural heritage, which he called essential to social and economic development.
"Over the years, many of our friends and donor countries have been helping us in the preservation of our temples in Cambodia," the kind said, at an inaugural ceremony of a Siem Reap-based Preah Norodom Sihanouk Angkor Museum. "I would like to call on all the countrymen, Cambodian government and authorities to help preserve our cultural and historical heritage and the statues in this museum."
The museum was built with the assistance of Sophia University in Japan and was funded by Neon company.
The museum, named after the former king, Sihamoni's father, is worth $1 million and will house 271 statues near the Angkor temples. The building is equipped with high-tech security measures to prevent thievery.
