Photo credit: PCO

It was all about partnership and progress when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at Malacañang on Tuesday. The two leaders sat down to discuss ways to maximize cooperation between their countries, with a focus on boosting trade, tourism, defense, and regional stability.

Marcos didn’t hold back in expressing his enthusiasm for strengthening Philippine-Cambodian ties. “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,” he said.

This meeting comes at a meaningful time, as the Philippines and Cambodia approach the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027. Since establishing ties in 1957, the two nations have signed 24 bilateral agreements, covering a wide range of collaborations.

Expanding Business and Trade

Marcos emphasized the importance of economic partnerships, highlighting how business leaders from both countries have been actively engaging through business forums in the Philippines and Cambodia. He sees these interactions as key to opening new commercial opportunities that will benefit both nations.

“I am particularly elated that our respective business leaders have engaged with each other in recent business forums both here in the Philippines and in Cambodia to forge new pathways in spurring commercial ties between our two countries, for the benefit of us both,” he said.

A Gesture of Goodwill

Beyond trade and investment, the meeting also touched on humanitarian and diplomatic matters. Marcos took a moment to express his gratitude to Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni for granting a royal pardon to 13 Filipino surrogates.

“We will never forget this act of magnanimity from His Majesty, a testament to the strong relations between our two countries,” he said, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to fighting transnational crime alongside Cambodia.

With around 7,497 Filipinos currently residing in Cambodia, the bond between the two nations isn’t just political—it’s deeply personal. Marcos also expressed his eagerness to welcome more Cambodians to the Philippines, whether as tourists, investors, business partners, or trusted friends.

A Strengthened ASEAN Partnership

Manet’s visit, which began on Monday and wraps up today, marks his first official trip to the Philippines at Marcos’ invitation. The discussions reinforced the commitment of both countries to work together, not just bilaterally, but within the broader ASEAN framework to ensure peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the region.

As the Philippines and Cambodia look ahead to their 70th year of diplomatic ties, this meeting signals a renewed commitment to strengthening an already solid partnership—one built on mutual respect, economic collaboration, and a shared vision for regional progress.