Monks attend the inauguration ceremony of the couple-statue of Preah Thong and Neang Neak in the southwestern coastal province of Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia, April 16, 2022.Photo:Xinhua

 
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Saturday inaugurated a large couple-statue in the southwestern coastal province of Preah Sihanouk.

Erected at a roundabout in Prey Nop district, the copper statue, weighing 60 tons and towering 21 meters high, depicts Preah Thong and Neang Neak, the legendary co-founders of the ancient state of Funan.

Facing the sea, the statue features the journey of the couple to meet their parents at the Naga palace in the depths of the ocean or known as Than Phu Chong Neak, which symbolizes the birth of the land, culture, civilization, traditions and customs of Cambodia.

Speaking at the event live broadcast on the state-run National Television of Cambodia (TVK), Hun Sen said the statue of the couple represented the identity of Cambodia.

"The statue is perfect," he said. "It not only symbolizes the birth of land, but also becomes an attractive tourism product."

The statue spans 99 meters in diameter and stands on a throne that is 6.34 meters high.

Ly Rasmey, under-secretary of state at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, said the statue, designed by Cambodian architects, was cast at a copper factory in China because Cambodia did not have large factories to melt copper for such a huge statue.

Preah Sihanouk province is located about 230 km southwest of Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia.