In a significant development, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, made his first official visit to the Republic of the Philippines from February 10 to 11, 2025, marking a major step towards further solidifying the long-standing friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two nations.
The two leaders had an in-depth discussion covering various areas of cooperation, including politics, defense and security, trade, investment, tourism, education, labor, culture, transport connectivity, agriculture, and people-to-people relations. They emphasized the importance of frequent exchanges between the executive and legislative institutions in strengthening mutual confidence and relations in all fields.
On defense and security, the leaders lauded active cooperation between their armed forces and police forces in combating terrorism and transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, trafficking in person, and cybercrimes. They urged relevant agencies of both countries to fully implement the Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) on Defense Cooperation and on Cooperation in Combating Transnational Crimes.
Recognizing the vast economic potential of both countries, the two leaders agreed to task their respective institutions to explore new opportunities for enhancing trade and investment, and to further strengthen collaboration between the Investment Board and the Philippine Board of Investments. They also discussed potential new flight routes between the two countries, including Manila-Siem Reap, Cebu-Phnom Penh, and Cebu-Siem Reap.
During the visit, Samdech Thipadei met with His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, accompanied by his wife, First Lady Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony HUN Manet. The leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments of shared interest, reaffirming their commitment to contributing to global and regional peace, security, and stability.
The visit also saw the signing of eight documents to intensify cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines in areas such as tax, trade, investment, culture, agriculture, TVET, tourism, and ICT. Samdech Thipadei delivered a key note address at the opening of the Cambodia-Philippines Business Forum, which was attended by over one hundred Cambodian and Philippine entrepreneurs.
The visit demonstrated the strong commitment of both countries to strengthening their bilateral ties and cooperating on regional and international issues. As part of the visit, First Lady Dr. Pich Chanmony HUN Manet participated in several social programs organized by Madam Louise C. Araneta, the spouse of President Marcos Jr.
Samdech Thipadei and his delegation extended their heartfelt thanks to President Marcos, and First Lady Madam Louise C. Araneta, as well as their supporting teams for the outstanding arrangements and warm hospitality extended during the visit.
Key Highlights of the Visit
- Cambodia and Philippines pledged deeper bilateral cooperation in various areas, including politics, defense and security, trade, investment, tourism, education, labor, culture, transport connectivity, agriculture, and people-to-people relations.
- The two leaders agreed to task their respective institutions to explore new opportunities for enhancing trade and investment.
- Eight documents were signed to intensify cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines in areas such as tax, trade, investment, culture, agriculture, TVET, tourism, and ICT.
- Samdech Thipadei delivered a key note address at the opening of the Cambodia-Philippines Business Forum, attended by over one hundred Cambodian and Philippine entrepreneurs.
The visit marked an important milestone in the strengthening of bilateral ties between Cambodia and the Philippines, demonstrating the strong commitment of both countries to cooperation and mutual understanding.