Countering transnational crimes and strengthening the ties between the two states will be his top priorities.
On Sunday, September 7, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left the Philippines for a three-day state visit to Cambodia.
“During my visit, I will discuss ways to further diversify our cooperation and strengthen our intra-ASEAN relationships and exchanges by capitalizing on our complementary strengths in the face of global economic headwinds,” said Marcos in his pre-departure speech at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City
The President is set to meet with Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, wherw they are expected to tackle PH-Cambodia trade relations, higher education, air services, enhancing cooperation to counter transnational crime, and garnering support for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship next year.
“We will discuss expanding our commercial relations and building more resilient value chains,” the President furthered.
Through intensified defense and security cooperation with Cambodia, the President also expressed his hopes to “uphold a peaceful, stable, and resilient ASEAN community.”
“As the Philippines prepares to take the helm of ASEAN in 2026, my visit will reinforce the importance of ASEAN Centrality and our commitment to build a progressive and inclusive region,” added President Marcos.
He will also participate in a roundtable discussion with Filipino and Cambodian business leaders to explore opportunities for expanding trade and investment.
The Philippines is keen on boosting exports to Cambodia, particularly in food, beverages, and pharmaceutical products, as well as expanding the presence of Filipino franchise businesses in the Cambodian market.
Marcos will also be in engagement with Filipinos residing in Cambodia.
This is the first State Visit by a Philippine chief executive to Cambodia in nearly nine years, where President Marcos was invited by King Norodom Sihamoni.
It also builds on the visit of Prime Minister Hun Manet to Manila in February 2025.
The President is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and cabinet officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Presidential Communications Office (PCO), as well as the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), according to the Palace.