President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday underscored the importance of expanding travel and people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and Cambodia, as both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening diplomatic and cultural ties.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, President Marcos emphasized that facilitating more seamless and frequent travel between the two countries would serve as a vital bridge for cooperation and mutual understanding.

“We also emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between our peoples with the hope of facilitating more seamless and frequent travel between our two countries,” Marcos said.

The President highlighted the contributions of over 7,000 Filipinos currently residing in Cambodia, many of whom work in the health, education, and development sectors. He described them as “a wonderful bridge between our two countries and cultures,” and expressed gratitude for the Cambodian people’s appreciation of Philippine culture and enterprise.

Prime Minister Hun Manet echoed the sentiment, praising the Filipino community’s role in Cambodia’s socio-economic development. “Cambodia welcomes more Filipinos as tourists, investors, and business partners,” he said, noting the growing people-to-people connectivity between the two nations.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the significance of President Marcos’ State Visit, which followed his own official visit to Manila earlier this year. He said the reciprocal visits reflect a strong friendship and shared commitment to elevating bilateral relations.

Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to fostering cooperation anchored on mutual respect, shared interests, and cultural affinity.

The renewed focus on travel and engagement is expected to pave the way for expanded partnerships in tourism, education, and trade, further solidifying the Philippines-Cambodia relationship in the years ahead.