(AseanAll) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia's full support for the success of the Philippines' upcoming Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026, according to a press release issued on the afternoon of September 09, 2025 at the end of the three-day state visit by Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines and the First Lady to Cambodia.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments of common interest, and reaffirmed the unwavering commitment to safeguarding peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond. They underscored the importance of ASEAN centrality and unity in the evolving regional architecture, and expressed their determination to further strengthen ASEAN Community building while enhancing collaboration with external partners to address common challenges and seize new opportunities.
On bilateral ties, in the defence and security sector, the two leaders welcomed expanding cooperation between their armed forces and police, particularly in combating transnational crimes, including online fraud. They noted the positive outcomes of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee Meeting in Manila, in March 2025, and discussed enhancing collaboration in disaster response operations, tabletop exercises, intelligence sharing and demining.
In the economic sphere, Cambodia and the Philippines agreed to intensify their efforts to capitalise on untapped potential in order to increase trade, particularly in agriculture sector and enhance investment flow, foster economic complementarity, and leverage the private sector to advance shared development goals.
Cultural and people-to-people exchanges remain a cornerstone to relations. Both leaders emphasised the importance of tourism for enhancing mutual understanding and economic growth and agreed to promote new direct flight routes to improve connectivity between their respective tourist destinations.
The two leaders deliberated on cooperation in education, migrant workers' welfare, public health, agriculture and securities exchanges. They recognised the importance of cooperation in labour affairs and in technical and vocational education and training. President Marcos expressed appreciation for Cambodia's continued support to the Filipino community.
During the visit, Cambodia and the Philippines signed the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on cooperation in higher education and air services, and the Exchange of Note on the amendment of the MoU between the two polices on Cooperation in Combating Transnational Crime.
