As the Philippines and Cambodia celebrate the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday vowed to boost the country’s relations with the neighboring Southeast Asian nation.
In his letter to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni dated 20 August, Marcos expressed his resolve to further boost the “enduring friendship” between the Philippines and Cambodia.
“I am committed to further strengthening and expanding our partnership and cooperation, as both our countries strive towards greater economic and social development for the benefit of our peoples,” Marcos wrote.
The two Asian countries established their official diplomatic relations on 20 August 1957.
For Marcos, while the two countries’ diplomatic ties were formalized in 1957, the visit of His Majesty King Norodom the First to the Philippines in 1872 formed the friendship “between our nations and peoples.”
“Our ties have developed steadily through the years, with sustained bilateral engagements in the political, security, economic, socio-cultural and educational areas, and cooperation in regional and international fora,” Marcos wrote.
“Our people-to-people exchanges also continue to add strength to our enduring friendship.”
Marcos also wished for Sihamoni’s “continued good health and happiness.”