Cambodian Ambassador to the Philippines Phan Peuv on Thursday thanked the Philippine government for its “unwavering support and commitment” during his stay here, saying such a gesture was vital for the two nation’s common interest.

“For the past three years, I have been privileged to work with you to further push our bilateral relations and cooperation in common areas. Recently, the fruitful outcome of the official visit of Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia,” Phan told President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during a farewell call in Malacañang.

Phan, who presented his letter of credence on May 25, 2022, said he was delighted to meet the President, saying it was “a great honor and privilege” to be assigned as Cambodian ambassador to the Philippines.

Phan ended his tour of duty today following a two-day official visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his delegation early this week.

President Marcos said he was glad to receive the Cambodian Ambassador, particularly after his “very successful and productive” meeting with Hun Manet.

While here, Hun Manet and the President agreed to strengthen the ties between their countries through agriculture, education, trade, and other investments.

The President said that his previous engagements with Hun Manet during international meetings resulted in productive discussions in the Philippines.

“During the ASEAN, APEC meetings, Prime Minister Hun Manet and I have always been somehow discussing many, many things about both our countries and the similarities,” the President said.

“That’s why I think that led to the very productive meetings that we had the other day when he came to visit,” the President said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting.

The Philippines and Cambodia established diplomatic relations in 1957. Since then, their friendship has evolved in terms of bilateral cooperation and within the context of strong regional partnership. | PND