Phnom Penh, March 23 (NationPress) - On Monday, P Kumaran, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), met with Prak Sokhonn, the Deputy Prime Minister as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia. Their discussions centered around enhancing collaboration between India and Cambodia across a spectrum of sectors.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal took to X to share insights about the meeting, stating, "Secretary (East) P. Kumaran engaged with Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, focusing on amplifying multifaceted cooperation between India and Cambodia."

Furthermore, Kumaran visited Phoeurng Sackona, the Minister of Culture and Fine Arts in Cambodia, where they discussed important heritage conservation projects and other facets of cultural collaboration.

On the previous day, Kumaran explored the magnificent Ta Prohm Temple and the iconic Angkor Wat Temple situated in Cambodia's Siem Reap.

In his post on X, Jaiswal highlighted, "Secretary (East) P. Kumaran visited the Ta Prohm Temple in Siem Reap, where the Archaeological Survey of India is actively involved in restoration and conservation efforts. The initial two phases have been completed successfully, while the third phase is currently in progress."

The Angkor Wat Temple is recognized as the largest ancient temple complex globally and represents a significant aspect of the shared India-Cambodia civilizational heritage.

Jaiswal further noted on X, "Secretary (East) P Kumaran visited the Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap, a stunning emblem of the shared civilizational heritage between India and Cambodia. India was the first nation to provide support for its restoration from 1986 to 1993."

Additionally, Kumaran attended the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Asian Traditional Textile Museum in Siem Reap, as Jaiswal remarked, "This museum, the first of its kind in the country, showcases the rich textile traditions from the Mekong-Ganga region, underlining our shared cultural heritage."

Just last week, Kumaran convened with a Cambodian delegation led by KHY Sovanratana, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to discuss the expansion of cooperation in trade, investments, heritage conservation, and developmental partnerships.

Following the meeting, Jaiswal shared on X, "Secretary (East) P Kumaran met with the Cambodian delegation, reviewing India’s capacity-building initiatives for Cambodia, which include training programs for Cambodian diplomats at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), Ministry of External Affairs. They also explored avenues for enhancing cooperation in trade and investments, heritage conservation, and development partnerships."