MARCOS DEPARTS FOR CAMBODIA TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL, REGIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed for Cambodia on Sunday for a three-day State Visit to deepen bilateral ties and advance regional cooperation in various sectors.

“During my visit, I will discuss ways to further diversify our cooperation and strengthen our intra-ASEAN relationships and exchanges by capitalizing on our complementary strengths in the face of global economic headwinds,” President Marcos said at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City prior to his departure.

“We will discuss expanding our commercial relations and building more resilient value chains,” the President added.

President Marcos acknowledged the dynamic partnership between the Philippines and Cambodia across key sectors, including defense and security, trade, agriculture, and heritage preservation.

Through intensified defense and security cooperation with Cambodia, the President also hopes to “uphold a peaceful, stable, and resilient ASEAN community.”

Acknowledging Cambodia as the country’s resolute partner in addressing transnational crime, President Marcos affirmed his commitment to further strengthening this cooperation.

“As the Philippines prepares to take the helm of ASEAN in 2026, my visit will reinforce the importance of ASEAN Centrality and our commitment to build a progressive and inclusive region,” the President said.

During the visit, the President is set to meet Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The President will also participate in a roundtable discussion with Filipino and Cambodian business leaders to explore opportunities for expanding trade and investment.

The Philippines is keen on boosting exports to Cambodia, particularly in food, beverages, and pharmaceutical products, as well as expanding the presence of Filipino franchise businesses in the Cambodian market.

The Chief Executive is likewise set to engage with the Filipino community in Cambodia, recognizing the vibrant and mutually beneficial connections between Filipinos and Cambodians.

In a briefing on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that several agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, including those on countering transnational crimes, higher education, and air services.

President Marcos’ visit comes at the formal invitation of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and builds on the visit of Prime Minister Hun Manet to Manila in February 2025.