Yuri Gagarin. Photo: B. Yaroslavtsev. 1967 Main archive of Moscow / mos.ru (CC BY 4.0)
The monument to the first cosmonaut of the planet has been installed in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, TASS reports. The opening was timed to Cosmonautics Day, which is celebrated on Tuesday, April 12. It was installed on the territory of the Cambodia Institute of Technology. The Institute was built and opened more than 50 years ago, with the active participation of the Soviet Union.
The "Dialogue of Cultures - United World" Charitable Foundation erected dozens of monuments to Yuri Gagarin in many countries of the world - from Argentina to China, from the USA to Australia. By the anniversary of the first flight into space, 60 monuments have been installed in 50 countries. The fund is assisted by Russian compatriots.
According to Russian Ambassador Anatoly Borovik, Cosmonautics Day serves to consolidate countries and all of humanity on the path to progress. The diplomat noted that Russia, which paved the way for the world into outer space, has always supported the development of cooperation in the exploration of outer space. The Ambassador is sure that young researchers would become worthful successors to the traditions of their predecessors.
The two countries, he added, have longstanding ties in education. More than 8,000 Cambodian students graduated from Russian universities.
Russkiy Mir
