Philippine Ambassador Christopher B. Montero paid a courtesy call on H.E. Phoeung Sackona, Minister of  Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia, at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts headquarters in Phnom Penh on 21 August 2015.

During their meeting, Ambassador Montero and Minister Phoeung expressed their mutual commitment to intensify cultural cooperation within the framework of the Philippines-Cambodia Cultural Agreement that was signed in June 2015 by the Minister and her counterpart, Hon. Felipe M. de Leon, Chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). They both agreed to start the groundwork for an Executive Program to effectively implement the said agreement, which is expected to enhance increased understanding and appreciation of each other's culture, particularly among the youth.   

Ambassador Montero likewise informed Minister Phoeung of the establishment of the Sentro Rizal of Phnom Penh (SRPP) as a vehicle for promoting Filipino culture and traditions in Cambodia, as well as a platform for Cambodians to learn more about the Philippines. Minister Phoeung welcomed the Embassy's initiative and expressed her support for greater collaboration between Embassy and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in strengthening cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Both officials also agreed to work together in coming up with meaningful commemorative activities for the 60th anniversary of the establishment of PH-Cambodia diplomatic relations, and the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, which will both be held in 2017. END.