PHNOM PENH, Sept 8 — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet witnessed the signing of three agreements to boost cooperation in security, education, and connectivity.
The Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported that the agreements were signed today during Marcos’ three-day state visit to Cambodia.
The first is an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippine National Police and the Cambodian National Police, which expands cooperation against human trafficking, arms trafficking and cybercrime, with an automatic renewal clause.
The second is an MOU on higher education between the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Cambodia’s Education, Youth, and Sport Ministry covering exchanges of officials, training programmes, and joint initiatives in science, technology, and innovation.
The third is an MOU on a new Air Services Agreement enabling designated airlines of both countries to enter into code-sharing arrangements, operate charter flights and exercise fifth freedom rights for passengers and cargo.
“These agreements underscore the broadening of our partnership — not only in fighting crime and enhancing security, but also in building bridges in education and providing greater mobility and opportunities for our peoples,” Marcos said at a joint press conference with Hun at the Peace Palace.
The deals complement both leaders’ pledge to intensify cooperation against human trafficking, cybercrime, illicit drugs and other cross-border threats.
They also agreed to pursue stronger linkages in trade, agriculture, renewable energy, digital economy and people-to-people exchanges.
Marcos’ visit is the first state visit by a Philippine President to Cambodia in nearly nine years.
It comes as Manila prepares to assume the Asean chairmanship in 2026 and campaign for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
