Sofia, Bulgaria – The enduring friendship and growing cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines took center stage during a recent meeting in Sofia between H.E. Dr. Chea Chanboribo, Ambassador of Cambodia to Bulgaria, and H.E. Noel Servigon, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Philippines to Romania.
During the courtesy call, Ambassador Chea Chanboribo congratulated Ambassador Servigon on his new appointment and expressed confidence that the long-standing partnership between the two nations would continue to expand. He emphasized that Cambodia and the Philippines have shared a strong bond since establishing diplomatic relations on August 20, 1957, grounded in mutual respect and cooperation within ASEAN.
The Cambodian envoy highlighted that despite a suspension during the Khmer Rouge period in 1975, diplomatic relations were fully restored in February 1992 and have since flourished across multiple sectors, including trade, defence, education, labour, agriculture, and environment. He also reflected on early cultural exchanges, recalling King Norodom’s visit to the Philippines in the 1870s and the subsequent invitation of a Filipino musical troupe to Cambodia—a milestone that helped shape the Kingdom’s traditional music.
Ambassador Chea Chanboribo noted that the state visit of the Philippine President to Cambodia in September 2025 further reinforced bilateral relations, paving the way for deeper collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, and digital transformation.
On regional affairs, the Cambodian diplomat praised the Philippines for its constructive role in maintaining ASEAN unity and promoting peace and stability. He also briefed Ambassador Servigon on recent Cambodia–Thailand border developments, reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to the July 28 ceasefire and its call for a peaceful resolution through the International Court of Justice.
The meeting concluded on a cordial note, symbolizing the mutual goodwill and shared aspirations of both nations. As a cultural gesture, Ambassador Chea Chanboribo presented his Filipino counterpart with a traditional Krama, underscoring its deep cultural significance as a symbol of Cambodian identity and unity.
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