In a notable meeting with Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo, the Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen reiterated Cambodia’s dedication to the welfare of the Filipino community in Cambodia. This commitment was discussed during a courtesy call made by Ambassador Mayo to Samdech Techo at the Senate.
The discussion underscored a mutual interest in enhancing Cambodia-Philippines relations, with a particular focus on cooperation within the ASEAN framework, aiming to contribute towards peacekeeping efforts and addressing regional challenges. Samdech Techo voiced support for joint initiatives to combat cybercrime, online fraud, and human trafficking, recognizing these as joint concerns that tarnish both nations’ reputations and pose significant challenges within the ASEAN community.
Ambassador Mayo brought greetings from the Philippine Senate and lauded the strengthening ties between the two countries, evidenced by key diplomatic interactions over recent years, including meetings between Samdech Techo, President Marcos, and Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet. She highlighted the ongoing cooperation in several areas, including trade, investment, education, and military relations, emphasizing the presence and potential expansion of Filipino businesses in Cambodia.
Furthermore, the ambassador proposed the establishment of a Joint High Commission to tackle cybercrime, online fraud, and human trafficking, thanking Cambodia for its protective stance towards Filipinos in the kingdom. She called for continued support for the Filipino community, noting their significant contributions across various sectors in Cambodia.
Samdech Techo revisited the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines, anchored in mutual trust and historic diplomatic ties. He indicated that these relations are poised for further enhancement under Samdech Thipadei’s leadership. He also stressed the unchanged nature of Cambodia’s foreign policy towards the Philippines, despite changes in government.
The meeting also delved into economic potentials under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), with Samdech Techo urging the Philippines to explore investment opportunities in Cambodia, particularly in the agriculture sector.
In the context of regional and international issues, both parties discussed the South China Sea dispute and the crisis in Myanmar, advocating for dialogue, adherence to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and the expedited negotiation of the Code of Conduct (COC) to ensure regional stability and trust.
In conclusion, Ambassador Mayo, reflecting on her over 42 years of service in the Philippines’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised Samdech Techo’s commitment to ASEAN and Cambodia’s development. The meeting ended with well-wishes from Samdech Techo to the ambassador and her delegation, highlighting the continuing friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines.
Source: Fresh News
