Manila, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louisse Araneta-Marcos finally arrived in the Philippines after the 3-day state visit to Cambodia.
In a media interview before departing from Phnom Penh, Marcos said his three-day state visit to Cambodia has opened many new avenues of cooperation with the Cambodian government and business community.
Marcos noted that while the visit opened new avenues for cooperation, there’s still much work to be done, citing the low trade volume between the two countries ($100 million) compared to Cambodia’s trade with Vietnam ($10 billion).
“So, malayo pa ang puwede pa nating marating” he said, adding that he and Cambodian leaders including acting head of state and Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet have very much to discuss between the Philippines and Cambodia.
Marcos also discussed the Philippines’ readiness to assist Cambodia in its border dispute with Thailand, including delegating 5 observers to join the ASEAN observer group to ensure proper arrangements.
He mentioned that the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand was inevitably discussed during his visit, and the Philippines is willing to play a role in strengthening the ceasefire and finding a final solution.
“Of course, hindi maiwasan na mapag-usapan ‘yung problema ngayon na nangyayari between Cambodia and Thailand in their border region” Marcos said.
“The Philippines is ready to play any role that will be of assistance to strengthen the ceasefire, number one, and eventually come to a final solution – to come to a final resolution of the problem between Thailand and Cambodia,” he added. — Alea Crazu, Contributor