MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Cambodia have signed several agreements aimed at improving bilateral relations between the two countries on the areas of trade, investments, and food security, among others.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who is on an official visit to Manila, witnessed the signing of eight bilateral agreements at the President’s Hall in Malacañang after they held a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, February 11.
These are the following:
- Agreement for the Elimination of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agricultural and Agribusiness Cooperation
- MOU on Cooperation in the Fields of Information and Communications Technology and Digital Transformation
- MOU on Tourism Cooperation
- MOU on the Cooperation in the Field of Technical Vocational Education and Training
- MOU on Implementation of Competition Law
- MOU on Prevention of Looting and Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property
- Memorandum of Intent (MOI) on Investment Promotion
In his speech after the signing ceremony, Marcos said that he and Hun Manet “exchanged views on ASEAN matters and other regional issues” but did not specify them.
On regional issues, Hun Manet said in his statement, “On multilateral cooperation, Cambodia underlines the importance of upholding ASEAN unity and centrality especially at times of conflict and geopolitical dynamics.”
He also said he assured Marcos of Cambodia’s support for the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026.
Fight vs transnational crime
Marcos said he and Hun Manet discussed at length the two governments’ campaign against transnational crimes which have victimized their citizens.
“We also discussed comprehensively our determined efforts to combat transnational crimes and protect our communities from unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of the industrious nature and strong sense of family of our peoples,” Marcos said.
Cambodia has been in the news for the presence of scamming hubs which had lured people from all over Asia, including the Philippines, with promises of legitimate jobs, only to be forced to work in cyber scam centers. In 2023, the Philippine government repatriated over 20 Filipinos who were rescued from these illegal sites.
Marcos expressed the Philippine government’s gratitude to King Norodom Sihamoni for granting royal pardon to 13 Filipinos who had been convicted in Cambodia for acting as surrogates and violating Cambodia’s law against human trafficking. The Philippines repatriated them in December.
He also cited the “growing partnership” between the two countries’ militaries and uniformed services.
“I anticipate the continued exchange of best practices and knowledge to support our mutual aspiration for regional peace and security and our collaborative efforts in enhancing our resiliency.”
Hun Manet said the newly-signed agreements are “concrete” steps to further strengthen the two countries’ bilateral ties that turn 68 this year.
He said Cambodia “stands ready to contribute to the Philippines’ food security” through “rice supply and many other food products.”
Hun Manet urged Philippine businessmen to consider Cambodia’s “untapped potential and investment opportunities.” He also said he had invited Philippine carriers, through Marcos, to open more routes to Cambodia to boost travel between their nations. – Rappler.com