State Dining Room, Malacañan Palace
February 11, 2025

“Today, I hope to discuss the ways in which we can maximize our existing cooperation on diverse fields of mutual interest and explore new ways to collaborate while leveraging our growing economies, the dynamism of our people, and our unyielding commitment to regional peace and stability,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet of the Kingdom of Cambodia at the State Dining Room in Malacañan Palace.

Joined by their respective delegations, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering bilateral relations and promoting regional stability.

In his remarks, President Marcos Jr. expressed his interest in spurring commercial ties between the two countries, citing the recent business forum attended by the Prime Minister.

“Allow me to reiterate our enthusiasm to welcome more Cambodians to the Philippines as tourists, as investors, as business partners, and as trusted neighbors and friends,” he said.

The Chief Executive also conveyed his gratitude to King Norodom Sihamoni for granting a royal pardon to 13 Filipino surrogates and to the Cambodian government for their assistance.

“We will never forget this act of magnanimity from His Majesty, a testament to the strong relations between our two countries,” he added, assuring Prime Minister Hun Manet of the Philippines’ commitment to combating transnational crimes and their adverse effects on both nations.

In response, the Prime Minster recognized the crucial role of the Filipino community in Cambodia’s social-economic progress.

“Our cooperation spans across multiple sectors, from defense and security to trade and investment economy and people-to-people’s exchanges. We are keen on taking our collaborations to new heights,” the Prime Minister said.

This year marks the 68th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Cambodia since they were established in 1957.

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