PHNOM PENH, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- A national seminar on youth and cultural development was held here Monday with an aim to encourage young people to help safeguard, preserve and develop national culture, officials said.
The two-day event brought together 700 participants, including culture officials, artists, archeologists, historians, and youths, said Culture and Fine Arts Secretary of State Samrang Kamsan.
"It is an important forum for experts to share their experiences with young people about cultural values and preservation," he said.
Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona said youths have a vital role in preserving and developing national culture, which is the nation 's spirit and identity.
"This seminar is targeted specifically at young people," she said. "We want them to better understand the values of national culture, tradition, and custom so that they can help the country in the work of safeguarding, preservation and development."
She said the forum was also aimed to prevent the influx of negative foreign cultures.
Cambodia is rich in both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
According to the minister, the Southeast Asian nation is home to nearly 4,000 temples, ancient pagodas and houses, historical resorts and monuments.