Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Christopher B. Montero called on Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn on 26 January 2017 to discuss the implementation of agreements signed and consensus points reached during the State Visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to the Kingdom of Cambodia last year.
On 13-14 December 2016, President Duterte visited Cambodia upon the invitation of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni. During the visit, President Duterte and Prime Minister Hun Sen witnessed the signing of agreements on cooperation in labor, sports, tourism, and the fight against transnational crimes on 14 December. The two leaders also agreed to expand the cooperation between the two countries in the areas of defense, trade and investment, agriculture, and culture.
Ambassador Montero and Senior Minister Prak acknowledged the significance of President Duterte's visit in bringing Philippines-Cambodia relations to a higher level.
Senior Minister Prak also mentioned that Cambodia was especially pleased at President Duterte's announcement of the Philippines' offer of sixty (60) scholarships/trainings on science and technology to Cambodians, as these would contribute to the human resource development of the country.
They also discussed working closely together in organizing meaningful activities to commemorate two milestone events this year-- the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Cambodia and the 50th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN.
"There is no doubt that President Duterte's visit to Cambodia last year breathed new life and re-energized the ties between the two countries. The Philippine Embassy is eager to cooperate with various institutions in Cambodia, especially the foreign ministry, to keep the momentum going," said Ambassador Montero.
Phnom Penh, 07 February 2017.tfb
