Phnom Penh, 27 September 2024 – Philippine Ambassador Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Cambodia on 26 September 2024, to pursue closer cultural cooperation between the Philippines and Cambodia.

Ambassador Mayo thanked the Kingdom of Cambodia for offering artistic presentations that foster a deeper understanding of Khmer history and culture while initiating cultural events for ASEAN community building.

The Philippine Ambassador also updated Minister Sackona on recent agreements reached between the Philippines and Cambodia during the 4th Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation held in Manila in August 2024, including an executive program to guide cultural cooperation as well as the possible renewal of the Agreement on Prevention of Looting and Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property.

Ambassador Mayo and the Minister of Culture discussed potential initiatives to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Cambodia diplomatic relations in 2027.  Both sides reaffirmed their earnest commitment to draw the Filipino and Cambodian people closer in friendship on the basis of their cultural affinity and ASEAN kinship.   END