By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will hold a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and business leaders during his state visit to Cambodia from Sept. 7 to 9, Malacañang announced Thursday.
Marcos, along with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, will visit Cambodia upon the invitation of Cambodian King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, the Palace said in a statement.
“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 statement read.
“The President will hold a bilateral meeting with Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, to discuss expanding cooperation in combating transnational crimes and enhancing connectivity, as well as in the key sectors of agriculture, higher education, tourism, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.”
Malacañang said Marcos would also have a roundtable dialogue with key business leaders from both the Philippines and Cambodia to explore ways to diversify sources of goods and expand market access between the two nations.
The business meeting, the Palace said, also aims to increase bilateral and intra-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) trade.
Marcos is also scheduled to meet with the Filipino community in Cambodia to personally express his gratitude for their contributions to the economic and socio-cultural development of both the Philippines and Cambodia.
Cambodia currently serves as home to more than 7,000 Filipinos, most of whom work in the field of education and services.
Marcos’ upcoming state visit to Cambodia reciprocates Hun Manet’s official visit to the Philippines in February 2025.
At least eight agreements on key areas, such as trade and investment, agriculture, education, tourism, and information and communications technology were signed during Hun Manet’s visit to Manila.
The Philippines and Cambodia established formal diplomatic relations on Aug. 20, 1957. (PNA)
