In a significant move to foster stronger ties with the Philippines, Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea recently paid an official visit to Manila, co-chairing the Fourth Meeting of the Cambodia-Philippines Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation. The meeting took place from 27 to 28 August 2024 and marked a significant step in enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations.
During his three-day visit, Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea held courtesy calls on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, exchanging views on various areas of cooperation, including air connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, defence, security, economic, cultural exchanges, labour, technical education, and training. The two sides also discussed regional and international developments of common interest and concern.
On political cooperation, the ministers emphasized the importance of frequent exchanges between executive and legislative bodies, recalling their strategic meetings over the past year. They also applauded the productive Third Meeting of the Cambodia-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee last year and agreed to enhance information sharing and capacity building in combating transnational crimes, particularly human trafficking.
The two nations acknowledged vast potential and opportunities for economic cooperation, agreeing to increase trade and investment by encouraging business-to-business contacts and trade fairs. They also discussed ways to boost trade in rice and other commodities and develop agricultural businesses. On tourism and cultural exchanges, both sides noted increased tourism and agreed to jointly promote tourist destinations, establish more direct flights, and finalize the implementation program for the MoU on Tourism Cooperation for 2024-2028.
The meeting held extensive deliberations in other fields, including health, information and communication technology, environment, connectivity, transport, housing, urban development and planning, civil service, and media and information. The two ministers exchanged views on regional and international developments of common interest and concern, emphasizing their shared resolve to contribute to global and regional peace, security, and stability.
On 30 August 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea had also visited the Rizal Monument, laying a wreath in honour of the Philippine national hero José Rizal. The official visit is seen as a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Cambodia and the Philippines, with both nations committed to continuing their efforts in regional and international cooperation.
The significance of this visit lies in its ability to foster stronger economic, cultural, and security ties between the two nations. By enhancing bilateral cooperation, Cambodia and the Philippines can work together to address common challenges and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting
- Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea’s official visit to the Philippines marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
- The two sides discussed various areas of cooperation, including air connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, defence, security, economic, cultural exchanges, labour, technical education, and training.
- They emphasized the importance of frequent exchanges between executive and legislative bodies and applauded their productive meetings last year.
- The meeting held extensive deliberations in other fields, including health, information and communication technology, environment, connectivity, transport, housing, urban development and planning, civil service, and media and information.
Conclusion
Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea’s official visit to the Philippines marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. By enhancing economic, cultural, and security ties, Cambodia and the Philippines can work together to address common challenges and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.