(Phnom Penh): Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo reaffirmed that the Philippines, as ASEAN Chair, will continue supporting efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute.
The ambassador made the remarks on Thursday (Jul. 16) during a farewell courtesy call on Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodian Senate President, at the Senate's Solidarity Palace.
According to Senate Spokesperson Chea Thyrith, Samdech Techo expressed satisfaction with the progress made in Cambodia-Philippines relations during Ambassador Mayo's tenure and voiced confidence that bilateral ties would continue to deepen in the years ahead.
Ambassador Mayo thanked Samdech Techo for granting the farewell meeting and highlighted the significant progress achieved in bilateral relations during her assignment. She noted that cooperation had been strengthened through frequent high-level exchanges, including the Philippine president's visit to Cambodia and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's official visit to the Philippines.
She also underscored growing cooperation in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. The ambassador said the Philippines is interested in importing more Cambodian agricultural products and expressed hope that bilateral trade would continue to expand.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen thanked Ambassador Mayo for her contributions to strengthening bilateral relations, emphasizing that trade, investment, and economic cooperation remain the cornerstone of Cambodia–Philippines ties. He also expressed hope that Cambodian agricultural exports, particularly rice, would secure a larger share of the Philippine market.
The senate president also called for expanding direct air connectivity between the two countries to promote tourism and strengthen people-to-people exchanges. In response, Ambassador Mayo said Cambodia has become an increasingly attractive destination for Filipino travellers.
On the Cambodia–Thailand border issue, Samdech Techo reiterated Cambodia's commitment to resolving the dispute peacefully, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral mechanisms.
Ambassador Mayo reaffirmed that the Philippines, in its capacity as ASEAN Chair, will work with relevant parties to support a constructive and peaceful resolution of the border dispute.
=FRESH NEWS
