PHNOM PENH, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor and the Sambor Prei Kuk Archeological Site (ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk) on Thursday convened its 40th technical session in Cambodia's Siem Reap province.

The two-day session was presided over by Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona, who is also the president of the APSARA National Authority (ANA), said a news release from the ministry.

The ANA is a government agency responsible for managing, protecting and preserving the Angkor.

"During this session, a consortium of national and international experts convenes to review, discuss, and monitor efforts related to the protection, restoration, and conservation of numerous ancient temples located within the Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk sites," the news release said.

The ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk, regularly held twice a year, is the international mechanism for coordinating all assistance extended by various countries and organizations for preserving and developing the Angkor in northwest Siem Reap province and the Sambor Prei Kuk in central Kampong Thom province.

Both sites are listed as UNESCO world heritage sites.

Long Kosal, deputy director-general and spokesperson of the ANA, said China was one of the major contributors to safeguarding and developing the Angkor.

"Chinese experts have transferred skills, expertise, and technology to Cambodian archaeologists and workers," he added.

According to the spokesperson, China had completed the restoration of two important temples, Chau Say Tevoda and Ta Keo, at the Angkor complex, and is currently undertaking another restoration project on the ancient Royal Palace of Angkor Thom.■