Prime Minister Hun Sen and Romualdez Marcos Jr, the Philippines’ recently elected president. SPM, AFP
Cambodia and the Philippines celebrate their 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations through the exchange of letters between the countries’ leaders. The two countries said they are committed to making their ties and friendship closer.
The diplomatic relationship between the two countries started on August 20, 1957.
In a letter to Romualdez Marcos Jr, the Philippines’ recently elected president, King Norodom Sihamoni said that he firmly believes that the close ties of friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines will continue to prosper in the years to come.
“I am also pleased to note that, during the past 65 years, our two countries have enjoyed long-lasting relations and beneficial cooperation in many areas while the people-to-people contacts continue to grow closer despite the impacts of regional and global challenges.
“Under Your Excellency's wise leadership, I firmly believe that the close ties of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of the Philippines will continue to prosper in the years to come,” he wrote.
Romualdez Marcos Jr also wrote a letter to the king noting that the connection between the two nations and peoples predate modern times and he highlighted the visit to the Philippines by King Norodom in 1872.
“Our ties have developed steadily through the years, with sustained bilateral engagements in the political, security, economic, socio-cultural and educational areas, and cooperation in regional and international fora.
“Our people-to-people exchanges also continue to add strength to our enduring friendship. I am committed to further strengthening and expanding our partnership and cooperation, as both our countries strive towards greater economic and social development for the benefit of our peoples,” Romualdez Marcos Jr said.
Prime Minister Hun Sen and Romualdez Marcos Jr also exchanged letters to commemorate the anniversary. He said that the commemoration reaffirms their commitment to working more closely together to advance their ties and broaden cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines for the mutual benefit of their peoples, thereby contributing to peace, stability, sustainable development and prosperity in the ASEAN community and beyond.
“In this sense, I would like to invite Your Excellency to pay an official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia during this milestone year. Please accept with the renewed assurances of my highest consideration,” Hun Sen wrote in his letter.
Romualdez Marcos Jr said that he is committed to working closely with Hun Sen and reaffirmed his support for a successful ASEAN chairmanship by Cambodia.
An exchange of diplomatic letters was also made between Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn and his Philippines counterpart Enrique Manalo, with both saying that they are committed to deepening ties between the two countries.
