Cambodia is keen on taking its collaboration with the Philippines to a new level to create more opportunities for growth for both nations.

Visiting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said this on Tuesday during a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace.

“We are keen on taking our collaborations to (a) new height,” Manet said.

“Today, I look forward to our discussions to deepen our engagement and unlock opportunities for shared growth and prosperity for our two nations and beyond.”

The Cambodian Prime Minister expressed confidence that his first official visit would strengthen and enhance the partnership with the Philippines.

Hun Manet expressed his gratitude for the invitation and the warm hospitality provided by President Marcos. He said his visit stresses the strengthening relationship between Cambodia and the Philippines.

“The friendship between our two countries is long-lasting, which historical ties date back to 1872 when the late His Majesty and King Norodom visited the Philippines,” Prime Minister Hun Manet said.

“Over the decades, our relationship has flourished built on mutual respect and shared interests,” he also said.

This year marks 68 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, where collaborations extend beyond government-to-government ties rooted in a strong bond between our two peoples,” the Cambodian leader said.

Prime Minister Hun Manet said that his government valued the Philippines’ contributions to the peace process and human resource development in civilian and military sectors.

He acknowledged the Filipino community’s significant contribution to Cambodia’s socioeconomic development. Currently, over 7,000 Filipinos reside and work in this Southeast Asian country.

Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the cooperation between the two countries, which spans multiple sectors, including defense, security, trade, investment, the economy, and people-to-people exchanges. | PND