Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) meets with Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Summit in Melbourne, Australia, on March 04. STPM
Cambodia and the Philippines have mutually agreed to enhance their bilateral relations and cooperation, specifically in trade, defence and airway connectivity, acknowledging the shared benefits of their collaboration.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Hun Manet and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr on March 4, on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Australia, as detailed on the former’s social media.
Both sides agreed to promote Cambodian milled rice exports to the Philippines and foster connections between their respective private sectors to boost bilateral trade relations.
In terms of connectivity, they underscored the significance of tourism and agreed to explore enhancing airway connectivity and increasing direct flights, particularly to various tourist destinations in both countries.
Regarding defence, both nations lauded their existing cooperation and committed to strengthening and expanding it, with prospects of conducting joint military exercises in the future. They also discussed regional and international matters of mutual interest and concern.
Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that the relationship between the Kingdom and the Philippines had not deepened recently, particularly due to differing views on the South China Sea conflict.
He said the Philippines has been actively opposing China in the matter.
“This agreement marks a positive start in enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation, especially in promoting direct flights. Strengthening connectivity, trade and cooperation in security and defence are crucial,” he added.
Phea suggested that both countries should collaborate for mutual benefit, hoping to avoid controversies, although issues regarding the South China Sea may arise.
He said Cambodia has aimed to maintain a neutral stance, not aligning with any particular side.
He opined that Cambodia should encourage both the Philippines and China to adhere to international principles and laws and seek to mediate the conflict through diplomatic means.
Ro Vannak, co-founder of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, viewed the agreement between the two leaders as a positive initiative, beneficial for both nations amidst the region’s unbalanced geopolitical climate.
He noted that the agreement also aims to diversify the diplomacy of the new Cambodian government.
“The agreement between the two leaders is a promising start, signalling a boost in bilateral relations and cooperation,” he said.
Vannak also acknowledged the existing controversies over the South China Sea issue, given the Kingdom’s closeness to China. He suggested that Cambodia encourage the Philippines and China to comply with international laws and principles.
“The relationship between Cambodia and the Philippines has been relatively average, especially when compared to the former’s relations with China, Thailand and Vietnam. I anticipate that both sides will work to elevate their relationship,” he added.
