U.S. repatriates 27 looted cultural artifacts to Cambodia in handover ceremony

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink, U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia W. Patrick Murphy, and Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona celebrated the repatriation of 27 looted artifacts to Cambodia at the National Museum today.

Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink highlighted a memorandum of understanding between the government of Cambodia and the United States, which has solidified U.S.-Cambodia cultural cooperation, facilitated the return of over 100 priceless antiquities, and built the capacity of Cambodians working on cultural heritage preservation. Kritenbrink also praised the joint efforts of the U.S. Department of Justice and law enforcement, Manhattan District Attorney, Homeland Security Investigations, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and U.S. Embassy that led to the return of 27 pieces.

“Today’s ceremony is a testament to the strong relationship between the United States and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts,” Kritenbrink said. “U.S. government initiatives, such as the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, demonstrate our longstanding support for the restoration of historic sites of cultural significance for Cambodia.”

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