The U.S. government has announced to provide an additional support of US$86,664 for the preservation of the northern staircase of the 11th century Temple of Preah Vihear.
According to a press release of the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh AKP received this morning, this third phase grant will support the conservation and restoration of section 6 and section 7 of the staircase and 2 lion sculptures as well as continuing maintenance work of the drainage system.
The first and second phases of staircase work were completed from 2018-2021 with a total grant of U$320,000, it pointed out.
H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, and U.S. Ambassador H.E. W. Patrick Murphy attended the signing ceremony at Preah Vihear Temple on Dec. 8.
“I am proud to announce an important contribution to further assist in the preservation of the magnificent Preah Vihear Temple,” Ambassador Murphy said. “The United States will continue to be an important partner in efforts to preserve the Kingdom’s ancient wonders.”
“I warmly welcome the grant from U.S. Department of State for the third phase project of the conservation and restoration of the northern staircase at the Temple of Preah Vihear,” said Dr. Phoeurng Sackona. “I believe that our concerted efforts will be able to preserve this masterpiece of arts for the next generations, and it will represent cultural ties between the two countries and the two peoples.”
The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) was established to help preserve significant cultural heritage sites around the world. In addition to work at Preah Vihear, under AFCP grants and other funding the U.S. Government has provided Cambodia more than US$5 million since 2001 to help preserve other significant cultural heritage sites, objects, and documentation in Cambodia including the Phnom Bakheng Banteay Srey Temples; the National Museum; the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum; and the Angkor Borei Museum.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press