The government last week expressed support for plans by the North Korean construction company Mansudae Overseas Projects to build a so-called “e-museum” near Siem Reap province’s Angkor Archaeological Park, a media report and officials said.
Official news agency Agence Kampuchea Presse reported Friday that the plans were discussed at a meeting on Thursday between Culture Ministry Secretary of State Khem Sarith and the director of the Mansudae Overseas that was also attended by North Korean Ambassador Ri In Sok.
The e-museum will display digital simulations that will allow visitors to experience all of Angkor’s temples in 20 minutes, providing an overview for visitors about to enter the actual park, according to AKP.
Siem Reap provincial Governor Sou Phirin said yesterday he was aware of the plans to build an e-museum but had no details about the project.
North Korean Embassy First Secretary Su Yong said yesterday “we have an agreement on museum building,” but he conceded that “more discussion” was needed on details such as cost and timing.
Complaints about a lack of transparency have followed Mansudae Overseas for the past decade as it has constructed major monuments across Africa.
Recently, Mansudae Overseas made international headlines when its grandest project to date, the Monument for the African Renaissance, a 49-meter bronze statute of a man, woman and child emerging from a volcano, was unveiled in Senegal amid accusations of financial impropriety.
Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade had personally intervened to ensure the contract for Mansudae, according to The Christian Science Monitor.
