PHNOM PENH, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Saturday expressed deep appreciation for UNESCO's ongoing support and contributions to protecting and conserving Cambodia's tangible and intangible cultural heritage, calling it a valuable legacy for all of humanity.
Hun Manet made the remarks during a meeting with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, according to a news release from the Prime Minister's Spokesperson Unit.
He noted that cultural heritage serves as a vital driver for inclusive and sustainable development.
Furthermore, he emphasized that protecting heritage goes beyond preserving physical structures, ancestral legacies, and the national soul -- it also involves educating and inspiring younger generations to connect with their country's culture, civilization, and history as a foundation for the future.
Additionally, Hun Manet underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability, which are essential for both cultural conservation and sustained socio-economic growth.
He added that the government has prioritized conservation work, historical record preservation, and national identity by promoting the digitization of historical documents into an accessible knowledge resource for students and researchers.
For his part, El-Enany praised the strong relations and cooperation between Cambodia and UNESCO across the fields of culture, education, and science, according to the news release.
He affirmed that UNESCO will continue to work closely with Cambodia to bring greater benefits to the Cambodian people, pledging ongoing support in key areas-particularly the long-term preservation and conservation of cultural heritage.
El-Enany arrived in Cambodia on Friday to attend celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Cambodia's membership in UNESCO, as well as the 20th Francophonie Summit. ■