U.S.-Supported Heritage Efforts Highlight Cambodian Expertise in Ancient Statue Restoration

Terry Felix On October 6, 2026 - 5:58 am In Asia Pacific 1mn Read

SIEM REAP, Oct. 6, 2026 — The United States has reaffirmed its support for Cambodia’s efforts to protect and preserve its cultural heritage, highlighting cooperation under the bilateral Cultural Property Agreement that has helped facilitate the return of more than 900 looted artifacts to Cambodia and strengthen the capacity of Cambodian conservation technicians.

The U.S. Embassy celebrated the successful restoration and reattachment of the heads of two ancient Deva statues to their original bodies during a ceremony at Victory Gate in Angkor Thom.

U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Counselor Katherine Diop joined Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, and representatives of the APSARA National Authority at the ceremony, held to mark the restoration under the “Souls Return to Their Original Place” campaign.

The restoration demonstrates the technical expertise of Cambodian heritage conservation specialists and their ability to preserve and restore ancient sculptures at one of Cambodia’s most important archaeological sites.

The United States said its cultural heritage cooperation with Cambodia goes beyond the return of looted artifacts, also focusing on building local conservation capacity so Cambodian experts can continue safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage for future generations.