Phnom Penh:Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet emphasized the vital importance of the National Archives of Cambodia as a repository of the nation's historical heritage, describing it as more valuable than gold and embodying the soul of the nation.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Prime Minister spoke at the opening ceremony of the exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the National Archives of Cambodia, held at the National Library. He underscored the immense value of the institution by stating that while gold bars are stored in the National Bank, the National Archives preserve priceless documents that are vital to the nation's identity.

He elaborated on the significance of these documents, noting that they serve as unalterable evidence of national identity and are invaluable during times of national challenges, such as border issues. The archives include significant historical documents, like the royal letters from the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk to France.

The centenary exhibition coincides with Cambodia's preparations to host the Francophonie Summit, which is anticipated to highlight the Kingdom's cultural and historical wealth on the international stage. The Prime Minister also reiterated the government's commitment to modernizing the National Archives, alongside the National Library and National Museum, to align with digital era demands.

Furthermore, he instructed authorities to document online scams for future reference, ensuring they become a resource for researchers and future generations. Samdech Thipadei praised the efforts of the National Archives team in preserving historical documents and encouraged Cambodians to contribute to documenting the nation's history accurately.

Lastly, he stressed the importance of preserving contemporary national documents, as they will become valuable historical records for future generations, particularly over the next 50 to 100 years.