THE Philippines and Cambodia yesterday signed various agreements on expanding air services, promoting higher education, and combating transnational crimes.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also called for the expansion of trade between the Philippines and Cambodia in new, “emerging, high-impact sectors” in addition to the traditional industries.
The President, during the CEO B2B Networking Roundtable held in Phnom Penh, recognized the “steady progress” in trade and business relations between the Philippines and Cambodia which reached US$105.69 million in 2024.
Marcos, along with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, also witnessed the signing of the agreement allowing airlines of the Philippines and Cambodia to enter into “code-sharing alliances, operate charter flights, as well as exercise fifth freedom rights, that is, to carry passengers and cargo between the two countries with an intermediate stop in a third destination.
They also witnessed the signing of the amendment of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Combating Transnational Crime between the Philippine National Police and the Cambodian National Police in the areas of human trafficking, arms trafficking, and cybercrime. The MOU also includes an automatic renewal clause of the agreement.
On the other hand, the Commission on Higher Education and the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports also signed a “Cooperation in Higher Education” which provides for exchanges of officials between higher education institutions of both countries, exchanges of training programs, and facilitating cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, among others.
The President, in his statement during a joint press conference with the Prime Minister after their bilateral meeting and witnessing the signing of agreements, welcomed the accords as both countries recognized that the growth and resilience of each nation’s economies depend on opening new avenues of cooperation, expanding opportunities in trade, agriculture, renewable energy, and the digital economy.
Marcos also called for the expansion of trade between the Philippines and Cambodia in new, “emerging, high-impact sectors” in addition to the traditional industries.
The President, during the CEO B2B Networking Roundtable held in Phnom Penh, recognized the “steady progress” in trade and business relations between the Philippines and Cambodia which reached US$105.69 million in 2024.
Marcos said the trade volume underscored the growing demand for each country’s goods and services as well as the rising level of trust between
‘BRIDGE’
Marcos said more than 7,000 Filipino are currently living and working in Cambodia who support the health, education, and development sectors of Phnom Penh.
“They (Filipino workers) are a wonderful bridge between our two countries and cultures. And in turn, we welcome the appreciation of Cambodians for Philippine culture, education, and enterprise. We are excited to see even more exchanges and visits between our two peoples,” he added.
Prior to their bilateral meeting, the President led a wreath laying ceremony at the Independence Monument to honor Cambodia’s independence.
“At Cambodia’s Independence Monument, I paid tribute to the unwavering spirit of the Cambodian people and their historic journey toward freedom and self-determination. The Philippines stands alongside Cambodia in strengthening the bonds of friendship and working together for lasting peace and shared progress across our region,” Marcos said in a social media post.
He was accompanied by First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos.
The First Couple also attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Monument of the Late King-Father of Cambodia, His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk.
“It is a distinct honor to pay tribute at the monument of His Majesty King-Father Norodom Sihanouk, a revered statesman and guiding light in Cambodia’s pursuit of unity and sovereignty. The Philippines stands in friendship and solidarity with Cambodia in honoring his legacy and advancing the noble ideals our nations share,” Marcos said in a separate post.
After the ceremonies, the First Couple was formally welcomed at the Peace Palace by Acting Head of State and Senate President Hun Sen and his spouse, Bun Rany, on behalf of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni.
The Senate President also hosted a state banquet for Marcos and his delegation.
Marcos also attended the Philippines-Cambodia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) B2B Networking Roundtable that was participated in by 30 to 40 Philippine and Cambodian business leaders.
The roundtable aims to facilitate strategic discussions focused on identifying concrete business opportunities and encouraging collaboration among major Philippine and Cambodian conglomerates, especially in consumer goods, education, healthcare, franchising, infrastructure, agro-processing, and logistics industries.
The President’s state visit to Cambodia from September 7 to 9 was upon the invitation of His Majesty, King Norodom Sihamoni.
