Parts Gathered for Friendship Monument Restoration
The museum has kept seven pieces of the Monument aux Morts, including two elephant’s heads, two elephant’s front parts, a part of the statue depicting people, a lion statue and a Naga head. Photo: National Museum of Cambodia
- By Meng Seavmey
- December 26, 2022 6:10 PM
PHNOM PENH – Several pieces of the demolished Cambodia-France Friendship Monument were transferred from the National Museum to the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction on Dec. 25, ahead of the rebuilding.
The monument was built in 1925 as a symbol of solidarity between Cambodia and France. It was demolished in 1977 during the Khmer Rouge regime.
The museum has kept seven pieces of the Monument aux Morts, including two elephant’s heads, two elephant’s front parts, a part of the statue depicting people, a lion statue and a Naga head.
At a joint press conference during his official visit to Paris, Prime Minister Hun said on Dec. 13 that the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction and he had agreed to rebuild the statue.
The monument will be rebuilt at the original site in front of the French Embassy in Cambodia next year as Cambodia and France celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
The PM said the pieces of the statue were found three days before his visit to France.
