PH, Cambodia ink deals to improve bilateral ties

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet signed Tuesday several agreements aimed at improving both countries' bilateral ties.

The signed agreements are the following:

• Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia for the Elimination of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance
• Memorandum of Understanding on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Government Digital Transformation between the Department of Information and Communications Technology of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications of the Kingdom of Cambodia
• Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural and Agribusiness Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia
• Memorandum of Understanding on Implementation of Competition Law between the Philippine Competition Commission and Competition Commission of Cambodia
• Memorandum of Understanding between Technical Education and Skills Development Authority of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of the Kingdom of Cambodia on the Cooperation in the field of Technical Vocational Education and Training
• Implementation Program of the Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Department of Tourism of the Republic of the Philippines 2025-2028
• Memorandum of Agreement on Prevention of Looting and Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Properties
• Memorandum of Intent between the Board of Investments and the Council for the Development of Cambodia on Investment Promotions

“We are also pleased with the growing partnership between our militaries and uniformed services,” Marcos said during his speech.

“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,” he added.

The President also said the Philippines is “open for business” and welcomes the "opportunity to partner and achieve greater commercial successes” with Cambodia.

Meanwhile, Hun Manet said with its multilateral cooperation with the Philippines, Cambodia “underlies the importance of upholding Asian unity and centrality, especially at times of conflict and geopolitical dynamics.”

He also acknowledged the contribution of the 7,000 Filipinos currently living and working in Cambodia.

“The Filipino community in Cambodia plays an important role in our socioeconomic development. We remain committed to ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for our Pinoy friends,” Hun Manet said in his speech.

The Cambodian PM expressed support for the Philippines, as it will host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit meetings in 2026.

Hun Manet will be in the country from February 10 to 11 for his official visit to the Philippines.
—RF/RSJ, GMA Integrated News