By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will discuss expanding Philippines’ cooperation with Cambodia in addressing transnational crimes as well as collaboration in key sectors in the President’s upcoming state visit to the Southeast Asian country.
In a statement Thursday, Malacañang said Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos will visit Cambodia on Sept. 7–9 upon the invitation of Cambodian King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni.
The state visit, which was confirmed by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a press briefing last month, reciprocates Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet’s official visit to the Philippines in February this year.
“The President and the First Lady will be received by Acting Head of State and Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and his spouse, Samdech Kittiprittbindit Bun Rany Hun Sen, on behalf of His Majesty,” the Palace said.
Aside from combating transnational crimes, Marcos will also discuss deeper areas of cooperation with Prime Minister Hun in key sectors such as connectivity, agriculture, higher education, tourism, and culture.
The Chief Executive will also participate in a roundtable meeting with Filipino and Cambodian business leaders to explore ways to diversify sources of goods and expand market access between the two nations.
The business meeting also aims to increase bilateral and intra-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) trade.
The President will also meet with the Filipino community—a gathering which he previously referred to as one of his priorities during his foreign trips.
The Philippines and Cambodia established formal diplomatic relations on Aug. 20, 1957.
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