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Remarks by His Excellency Dr. Sok An, at the Opening of the MEKONG-GANGA Cooperation Asian Traditional Textiles Museum (MGC ATTM)

Siem Reap, 7 April 2014 
 
− His Excellency Anil Wadhwa, Representative of the Government of the Republic of India; 
− His Excellency Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia; 
− Her Excellency Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts; 
− Excellencies the Ambassadors of India, Myanmar and Thailand; 
− Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen; 
 
History teaches and monumental archaeology has confirmed that, in the past, on the banks of the GANGA, the great sacred river, grew a dazzling civilization whose influence and benefits have spread out far beyond the Indian sub-Continent. Up to the present time, we have recognized the evidence of that influence in Southeast Asia up to the Sunda Islands, Indonesia today. 
 
We, Cambodians, as heirs of the great Khmer civilization, which prospered for centuries between India and China, know well the great values of the civilization of India throughout history. For a long time, we have recognized the many and varied links between ANGKOR and India. These are, firstly, spiritual thoughts and religious beliefs that turned in the orbit of Shiva and Vishnu before the final adoption of Buddhism. These are also the canons of arts and architecture. 
 
Here now, thanks to the initiative of the Government of India in perfect agreement with the Royal Government of Cambodia, other links, still vivid and deeply rooted in folk traditions, can be highlighted. 
 
India, in fact, supported the construction of the beautiful museum building where we are now. I am pleased to recall that, in 2010, the Former President of India, the Honorable Madame Pratibha Devisingh Patil, came to lay the foundation stone of the building and at the end of 2012, the APSARA Authority, the national agency in charge of the safeguarding and management of Angkor Park, flagship of World Heritage, was able to take over. 
 
In truth, even more important is the project in its entirety. From the outset, it was designed as wide-ranging. Obviously, this museum is primarily dedicated to the exhibition of TEXTILES from many countries. Besides INDIA, they are CAMBODIA, LAOS, VIETNAM, THAILAND and MYANMAR, meaning that the countries along the MEKONG, the new GANGA in some way. 
 
Through this, links and contiguity of origin can be highlighted with the first impulse from India. Through this also, the various creative works from the  countries along the MEKONG may be presented.
 
But this museum, which will soon be available to the admiration of the Cambodian public and all foreign visitors, is not merely a museum. Besides presenting temporary exhibitions, its program includes fashion shows brilliantly called to revive the traditional craft of silk and cotton. The museum space will also feature a garden dedicated to plants that are the basis of natural dyes. This reminder will be ongoing interest to draw the attention of all to the pollution caused by chemical products and we hope that this arrangement encourages going back to the traditional way of weaving and the use of natural products. 
 
Similarly, a space is planned in this museum for weavers from the villages to showcase their traditional craft and skills, so they can exhibit their products and sell them directly to the public. 
 
Moreover, this museum, as we wanted, symbolizes the cordiale arrangement between the Southeast Asian countries bordering the MEKONG. They are, in large part, remarkably represented in this Museum. I have no doubt that they will soon be joined by our friend, Thailand. And then, the celebration will be complete and the arts and heritage correspondence between the world of GANGA and that of MEKONG will be perfect. Therefore, Ladies and Gentlemen, let’s enjoy today and celebrate this important and common achievement of our countries, pillars of the ASEAN! 
 
− Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen; 
 
As you can see, this program is comprehensive and desire does not lack ambition. I am sure it will be implemented in the best conditions because His Excellency the Ambassador Mr. Dinesh Patnaik has given us the honor by personally taking care of it; and the Indian expert, Dr. Charu Smita Gupta, made available to the Project since August 2013, brings all her science and all her manner to carefully put in place the exhibition of all pieces.
 
I wish to express to His Excellency the Ambassador and to Dr. Gupta my sincere thanks and best regards.
 
I would also like to note that Her Excellency Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, has taken a great decision to enrich Cambodian exhibition in the Museum. She has had a number of traditional Khmer textiles that were stored at the National Museum in Phnom Penh transferred to this Museum. There are in total five precious pieces, which we Cambodians call ''Hol Pidan'' due to their former use on ceilings or walls. 
 
Her Excellency, you are warmly congratulated! 
A deserved tribute should also be paid to the "Artisans d’Angkor" and their chairperson H.E. Mr. Yim Nolson. Their intervention has helped us in mounting the Cambodian exhibition in the museum and especially their precious gift of great value. 
 
I can’t finish without mentioning the sacrifice of the young professionals from the Department of Cultural Development in the APSARA National Authority. 
 
Working with Her Excellency Chau Sun Kerya, who guided them with consciousness and determination, they have worked tirelessly to make the exhibition ready on time and tastefully presented. 
 
Finally, I wish Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen good health, great success and happiness. 
 
I now declare the opening of the MEKONG-GANGA Cooperation Asian Traditional Textiles Museum. 
 
Thank you! 

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