MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to strengthen the Philippines’ regional influence as he embarks on a state visit to Cambodia this week, highlighted by the signing of three bilateral agreements aimed at boosting education, air connectivity, and the fight against transnational crime.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the agreements will not only deepen Manila’s economic and security ties with Phnom Penh but also build momentum for the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.
“The visit is expected to result in agreements and initiatives that will expand cooperation and bring tangible benefits to both Filipinos and Cambodians. It will further affirm the Philippines’ dedication to advancing its bilateral interests and connectivity with Cambodia,” DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said.
According to the DFA, the Philippine delegation will also use the visit to push for greater intra-ASEAN trade, promoting Filipino products such as food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals, and opening more opportunities for local franchises abroad. Tourism cooperation is likewise on the table.
“We’re also looking at franchising, ‘yong mga (the) Filipino franchises doon (there). And we hope to have more Cambodian tourists coming to the Philippines and more Filipino tourists going to Cambodia,” Escalona added.
The talks will also address sensitive regional challenges, including human trafficking and the rise of scam hubs across Southeast Asia.
Joining the President on the trip are First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and key Cabinet officials, including Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr., Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, and Acting Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez.
The visit will reciprocate Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet’s trip to Manila in February 2025 and will mark the first presidential visit to Cambodia by a Philippine leader since 2016. The two countries, which celebrated 68 years of diplomatic relations on August 20, continue to enhance their cooperation both bilaterally and within ASEAN./PN
