Cambodian PM to meet with Marcos in Manila next week

Metro Manila, Philippines - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will visit the Philippines next week for a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Malacañang announced.

Hun Manet is set to arrive on Monday, Feb. 10, for a two-day official visit.

“The President will have a bilateral meeting with the Cambodian Prime Minister on February 11 to discuss advancing cooperation in combating transnational crimes, defense, trade, tourism, and regional and multilateral cooperation,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement.

There are over 7,000 Filipinos in Cambodia, according to government data.

In a separate statement, Senator Win Gatchalian welcomed the Cambodian leader’s visit, emphasizing the need for the Philippines and Cambodia to work together in combating transnational crimes amid reports of Cambodian nationals’ involvement in scam farms and other illicit activities in the country.

“A regional approach is crucial for dismantling these criminal networks. By working more closely together, we can help prevent human trafficking, various online scams, and other criminal activities that undermine our business climate and hinder overall investment opportunities in the country” Gatchalian said.

He also sees strengthened cooperation on food security, noting that Cambodia is emerging as a major source of rice imports.