PHNOM PENH: The protection, preservation and promotion of Cambodia’s cultural heritage continue to receive close attention and are regarded as a key priority of the Royal Government, according to Prime Minister Hun Manet.
He emphasised that today’s 28th National Culture Day, themed “Youth for National Culture”, serves as an important occasion to raise awareness of the immense value of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, which forms a strong foundation for sustainable socio-economic development.
He described the day as promoting patriotism grounded in morality, equity and inclusiveness, while highlighting the vital role and qualifications of youth as a driving force in preserving, safeguarding, promoting and developing cultural heritage, customs and traditions that represent the Kingdom’s identity and soul.
“The protection, preservation and promotion of national cultural heritage have always received attention and are regarded as a priority task of the Royal Government, as clearly outlined in national policies and strategies, particularly phase one of the seventh-mandate government’s Pentagonal Strategy,” he said.
He noted that the government is striving to promote Cambodia’s reputation on the international stage, under the slogan “Cambodia: Kingdom of Culture”. These efforts aim to strengthen the nation’s soft power and build a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem, contributing to Cambodia’s development as a civilised nation.
Several government institutions also issued congratulatory messages to mark the day, highlighting the invaluable worth of national culture and calling on all Cambodians to understand it clearly and work together to preserve it for future generations.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts described the day as an important occasion for the Cambodian people to reflect on the value of the country’s rich arts and culture and its glorious civilisation and the remarkable achievements left by Khmer ancestors for future generations.
“This day contributes to inspiring the younger generation of Cambodian youth, as well as the entire nation, to love, safeguard and protect the cultural legacy of our ancestors and to participate in promoting the value of our culture, civilisation and national traditions, as expressed in the slogan: ‘If culture disappears, the nation perishes; if culture flourishes, the nation prospers’,” it said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
