UNESCO envoy presents credentials to King at Palace

King Norodom Sihamoni (R) grants an audience to UNESCO Representative Flavio Bonetti. UNESCO Cambodia

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Synopsis: King Norodom Sihamoni receives UNESCO Representative to Cambodia Flavio Bonetti, who leaves the meeting with royal blessings.

King Norodom Sihamoni on Tuesday received Flavio Bonetti, the newly appointed UNESCO Representative to Cambodia, for a royal audience at the Khemarin Palace.

The meeting marked the formal start of Bonetti’s diplomatic mission. During the proceedings, the envoy presented the King a bouquet of fresh flowers and a selection of French macarons. The gesture was intended to symbolise deep respect and cultural goodwill between the international organisation and the Cambodian monarchy.

In a reciprocal gesture of hospitality, the King bestowed several royal souvenirs upon the envoy. These included a finely crafted traditional Khmer silver ornament featuring intricate classical engravings, along with a collection of books documenting the history of Cambodian monarchs and the Royal Palace. Bonetti also received a photographic volume detailing the extensive restoration and conservation efforts at the nation’s numerous heritage sites, highlighting Cambodia’s enduring commitment to cultural preservation.

Bonetti expressed his profound gratitude to the audience, noting the honour of serving in Cambodia. He confirmed UNESCO’s steadfast commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across the sectors of education, the protection of cultural and natural heritage, and the promotion of science and communication.

The envoy said UNESCO appreciates the close collaboration with Cambodia under the King’s patronage. He highlighted the King’s influential role as Honorary President of the International Coordinating Committee for both Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk. He congratulated the nation on its sustained peace, national unity, and multisectoral development, which he attributed to the collective efforts of the Cambodian people and their institutions.

The King welcomed the delegation, expressing confidence that Bonetti’s tenure would significantly deepen the relationship between UNESCO and the Kingdom.

The King praised the nation’s prevailing stability and expressed his appreciation to Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet for their leadership in safeguarding national prosperity.

The audience concluded with the King offering royal blessings to Bonetti and his colleagues for their success.

Bonetti conveyed his respects and his best wishes for the King’s continued health and a long, prosperous reign.

The meeting underscores the vital partnership between Cambodia and the United Nations as they work together to protect the Kingdom’s unique historical identity within a modern, developing global landscape.

-Khmer Times-