Secretary Manalo, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Agree to Enhance Bilateral Cooperation
MANILA 27 August 2024 – Secretary Enrique A. Manalo met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Chenda Sophea on 27 August 2024 to co-chair the 4th Philippines-Cambodia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC). This is the first visit of the Deputy Prime Minister to the Philippines, and his first official bilateral visit to another ASEAN member state.
Prior to the discussions between the foreign ministers, DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro co-chaired the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the JCBC with Secretary of State Ung Rachana of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
During the JCBC, the two foreign ministers took note of the deepening of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Cambodia and encouraged the continuing the exchanges and interactions of high-level officials, as well as aiming for higher bilateral trade and tourism flows. They also committed to strengthen areas of cooperation in, such areas as defense and security, combating transnational crime, tourism, culture, and sports, and to explore other areas for deeper engagement of cooperation such as in health, environment, and energy.
Both foreign ministers looked forward to further enhancing bilateral relations through the signing of an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation this year. The two countries also committed to expedite the finalization of agreements on agriculture, labor, technical and vocational education, and the prevention of looting and illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts within the year.
The foreign ministers further exchanged views on pressing regional and international issues, such as the situation in the South China Sea, Myanmar, and in Gaza, and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing peace and stability in the region.
Secretary Manalo remarked, “I am optimistic that the strengthening of our bilateral relations will benefit our peoples and the rest of the region. I reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to remain a steadfast partner of Cambodia and to work closely to promote peace and prosperity in the region”.
The JCBC was established on 16 August 2000 as the formal mechanism between the Philippines and Cambodia to discuss bilateral areas of cooperation. It was last held on 01-02 December 2021.
The Philippines and Cambodia established diplomatic relations in 1957.END
