Phnom penh: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the Philippines and Cambodia, acknowledging the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos highlighted during a media interview before departing from Phnom Penh that his three-day state visit to Cambodia has unveiled 'many new avenues of cooperation' with the Cambodian government and business community. He noted, however, that there is still significant work to be done, as total trade between the Philippines and Cambodia stands at USD100 million, a figure considerably lower than Cambodia's USD10 billion trade with Vietnam.

Marcos expressed that he and Cambodian leaders, including acting head of state and Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, have substantial matters to discuss regarding their countries' relations. He assured Cambodia of the Philippines' readiness to assist amid Phnom Penh's ongoing border dispute with Thailand.

Furthermore, Marcos announced that the Philippines would delegate five observers to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) observer group. Their role will be to ensure all arrangements to resolve the conflict are properly observed by both sides. Marcos acknowledged the challenges in the Cambodia-Thailand border region, where clashes have occurred, and reiterated the Philippines' willingness to play a supportive role in strengthening the ceasefire and working towards a final resolution of the problem between Thailand and Cambodia.