Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed elation over Cambodia's warm hospitality, saying it is an affirmation of deepening bilateral relations between Phnom Penh and Manila. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Marcos thanked top Cambodian officials for the warm welcome.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cambodian acting Head of State and Senate President Samdech Hun Sen hosted a state banquet in honor of Marcos at the Peace Palace, the official office of the Prime Minister of Cambodia, on Monday night. Marcos expressed gratitude to Acting Head of State Samdech Hun Sen and Madame Bun Rany Hun Sen for their gracious welcome. He emphasized the shared hopes for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties through intra-ASEAN trade and uphold ASEAN Centrality.

Marcos is set to return to Manila on Tuesday after a three-day state visit to Cambodia upon the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. His visit resulted in the signing of bilateral agreements on police cooperation, higher education, and air services. The state visit also aims to bolster the Philippines' preparations for its ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, serving as a reciprocal visit following Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's trip to the Philippines in February.

This marks Marcos' second visit to Cambodia as head of state, following the 2022 ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. The Philippines and Cambodia have maintained formal diplomatic relations since August 20, 1957.