Cambodia, the Philippines exchange diplomatic greetings on 65th anniversary

Cambodian and Philippine leaders have exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 65th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations which falls on Saturday.

In a message to Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni said during the past 65 years, the two countries have enjoyed long lasting relations and beneficial cooperation in many areas, while the people-to-people contact continues to grow closer despite the impacts of regional and global challenges.

The monarch expressed his belief that the close friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines would continue to prosper in the years to come.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said in a message that he was pleased to see the continued growth in bilateral relations.

“The celebration of the 65th anniversary of our diplomatic relations is an opportune time to reaffirm our commitment to working more closely together to advance the close ties and broaden cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines for the mutual benefit of our peoples, thereby contributing to peace, stability, sustainable development and prosperity of the ASEAN community and beyond,” he said.

The Cambodian prime minister also invited Marcos to pay an official visit to Cambodia during this year.

Marcos said in his message to King Sihamoni that bilateral ties have developed steadily through the years, with sustained bilateral engagements in the political, security, economic, socio-cultural and educational areas.

“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 said.

In his message to Hun Sen, Marcos reaffirmed the support for Cambodia’s work as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES