(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left on Sunday for a three-day state visit to Cambodia.

The President was invited by King Norodom Sihamoni, and his trip serves as a reciprocal visit following Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit to Manila last February.

President Marcos Jr. visits Cambodia to strengthen ties, This news data comes from:http://www.771bg.com

“We have seen dynamism in the partnership between the Philippines and Cambodia across key sectors. These sectors include defense and security, trade, agriculture, heritage preservation, among others,” he said during a send-off ceremony at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

He said he will “discuss ways to further diversify our cooperation and strengthen our intra-Asean relationships and exchanges by capitalizing on our complementary strengths in the face of global economic headwinds.” Marcos also acknowledged Cambodia as a strong partner of the Philippines in fighting transnational crime. “As the Philippines prepares to take the helm of Asean in 2026, my visit will reinforce the importance of Asean Centrality and our commitment to build a progressive and inclusive region,” he said.

The nation, he reiterated, looks forward to boosting exports to Cambodia, particularly food, beverages, and pharmaceutical products, as well as expanding the presence of Filipino franchise businesses in the Cambodian market.

Key sectors like defense and security, trade, agriculture, and heritage preservation will also be highlighted.

An intensified defense and security cooperation with Cambodia would “uphold a peaceful, stable, and resilient Asean community,” Marcos said.

The President will meet with Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet. There will also be roundtable discussions with Filipino and Cambodian business leaders to explore opportunities for expanding trade and investment are also on the agenda.

Marcos appointed Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as government caretakers while he is out of the country.