Cambodian Minister of Culture Discusses Preah Vihear Temple Protection with UNESCO Deputy Director-General

On the afternoon of July 21, 2026, in Busan, South Korea, HE Dr. Pheang Kunna, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, led a Cambodian delegation to discuss cultural affairs with HE Nayef Al-Fayez, UNESCO's Deputy Director-General for Culture, during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee. During the meeting, Minister Dr. Pheang Kunna congratulated HE Al-Fayez on his selection and trust to serve as the Deputy Director-General for Culture at UNESCO. She also expressed gratitude for the dispatch of the report from the mission of experts from the World Heritage Committee and ICOMOS, who completed their work at Preah Vihear Temple from March 1-6, 2026, in response to Cambodia's invitation. The Minister commended the report for its comprehensive technical quality, accuracy, and reflection of the actual situation occurring at Preah Vihear Temple. Furthermore, the Minister informed the Deputy Director-General of Cambodia's intention to host the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in any given year during its membership from 2026 to 2030. HE the Deputy Director-General pledged his support for the proposed hosting of this meeting. He also affirmed UNESCO's and his personal support in closely monitoring the Preah Vihear Temple case, committing to actively contribute to facilitating the easing of tensions between the two countries through culture. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer