Ambassador Christopher B. Montero presented his credentials His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, at the Throne Hall of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on 22 June 2015.   

Prior to presenting his letters of credence and the letters of recall of his predecessor, Ambassador Montero conveyed to King Sihamoni the greetings of President Benigno S. Aquino III and the Filipino people, including the more than 5,000 Filipinos residing and working in Cambodia. 

In the Royal audience that ensued, King Sihamoni conveyed his best wishes to President Aquino and the Filipino people, and expressed Cambodia's desire to further enhance bilateral relations in various fields.  

 Ambassador Montero thanked King Sihamoni for his greetings on the occasion of the 117th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, and informed him of the signing of the PH-Cambodia Cultural Agreement three days before between NCCA Chairman Felipe M. de Leon, Jr. and H.E. Phoeung Sackona, Cambodia's Minister of Culture and Fine Arts. He underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges as a constant source of strength in PH-Cambodia relations, and cited the important contributions of the Filipino community in the development and progress of Cambodian society. He also affirmed the Philippines' commitment to heighten economic exchanges with Cambodia, noting the unprecedented rise of bilateral trade volume from US$21 million in 2013 to more than US$100 million in 2014, as well as the bright prospects for increased bilateral trade and investment relations.

King Sihamoni expressed appreciation for PH's assistance and contributions to Cambodian society, and wished Ambassador Montero well for a successful mission in Cambodia.

In line with traditional practice, King Sihamoni and Ambassador Montero exchanged presents as a token of goodwill for the friendly relations between the Philippines and Cambodia. 

END