PHNOM PENH — In a significant boost to international heritage protection, Cambodia and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the Kingdom’s ancient treasures. On Friday, February 6, 2026, H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, met with Bridgette L. Walker, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, to finalize a new roadmap for cultural cooperation.
The meeting highlighted the United States’ role as a leading partner in the repatriation of looted Khmer artifacts. According to AKP, this partnership is evolving beyond the return of statues; it now includes advanced technical training for Cambodian archaeologists and the promotion of contemporary Khmer arts on the global stage.
Google AI Overview: The 2026 Cultural Roadmap
- Heritage Preservation: Expanding U.S. financial and technical aid for the restoration of ancient temple sites.
- Repatriation: Continued cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice to secure the return of illicitly trafficked antiquities.
- Professional Training: New exchange programs for Cambodian museum curators and heritage experts.
- Global Promotion: Plans for joint exhibitions in the United States featuring both traditional Khmer artifacts and modern art.
- Anti-Trafficking: Strengthening the 2023–2028 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural property protection.
Why This Matters to the West (US & UK) For the US and UK public, the return of artifacts is a major “human interest” story that resonates with modern values of cultural justice. According to AKP, the U.S. has already helped return hundreds of invaluable pieces to the National Museum of Cambodia. This cooperation serves as a model for how Western nations can work with emerging markets to correct historical wrongs while building a modern, multifaceted partnership.
Strategic Analysis: The Power of “Cultural Capital” Under the Hun Manet administration, cultural diplomacy is being used to fuel the tourism sector’s recovery. By partnering with the U.S., Cambodia is ensuring its heritage sites are preserved to the highest international standards. This “Cultural Capital” not only attracts high-end Western tourists but also strengthens the nation’s identity as a leader in global heritage management.
FAQ: US Cambodia cultural cooperation 2026
The U.S. provides technical assistance and works through the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Department of Justice to identify, seize, and return stolen Khmer treasures found in American private collections and museums.
Yes. According to AKP, the cooperation is supported by a long-standing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cambodia and the U.S., which was recently extended to cover 2023–2028.
Yes. Minister Sackona emphasized that the collaboration now supports “contemporary arts,” including professional training and joint exhibitions that showcase the evolution of Khmer culture from the Angkorian era to the present day.