via Phnom Penh Post, 06 September 2023: France recently returned a stolen 12th or 13th-century bas relief to Cambodia, marking a significant moment in the cooperation between the two nations and contributing to the preservation of Cambodian heritage.
A handover ceremony was attended by Cambodian ambassador to France Ket Sophann, Eric Meunier, interregional director of France’s Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Customs Department and Juliette Bossart-Trignat, prefect delegate for Defence and Security of Lyon district.
On behalf of the Cambodian government, Sophann thanked the French authorities for their efforts to return this priceless piece to the Kingdom.
He noted that the bas relief is a part of Cambodian history and represents the spirit of the Khmer Empire.
“The return of this object – which is important historical and spiritual symbol of the past glory of the Khmer Empire – will allow an essential reunification of the national soul and identity,” he said.
Source: French gov’t return looted antiquity to the Kingdom | Phnom Penh Post
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