PH, Cambodia to ink deals during Marcos state visit — DFA

Several agreements are expected to be signed during the state visit of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to Cambodia next week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.

According to DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona, these deals relate to combating transnational crimes and higher education. 

''There are agreements on combating transnational crimes, higher education, and air services. So far three po,'' Escalona said at a press briefing. 

The President and First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos will undertake a state visit from September 7 to 9 upon the invitation of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia.

Upon their arrival, the President and the First Lady will be received by Acting Head of State and Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and his spouse, Samdech Kittiprittbindit Bun Rany Hun Sen, on behalf of His Majesty.

Marcos is also expected to have a bilateral meeting with Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, to discuss expanding cooperation in combating transnational crimes and enhancing connectivity.

''We’re hoping we can export more Filipino products. We are looking at food beverage pharmaceutical products, we are also looking at franchising and we hope to have more Cambodian tourists coming to the Philippines and more Filipinos going to Cambodia,'' Escalona said.

They will also discuss matters on agriculture, higher education, tourism, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Marcos is also expected to keynote a roundtable meeting with key business leaders from both countries to explore ways to diversify sources of goods and expand market access between the two countries.

''We’re hoping we can export more Filipino products. We are looking at food beverage pharmaceutical products, we are also looking at franchising and we hope to have more Cambodian tourists coming to the Philippines and more Filipinos going to Cambodia,'' Escalona said.

Further, the President is also expected to meet with the Filipino community in Cambodia, who work mostly in the education and services sectors.

At present, more than 7,000 Filipinos are based in Cambodia.

Marcos will be joined by Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Secretary of Trade and Industry Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Secretary of Migrant Workers Hans Leo Cacdac, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley Agrupis and, Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez in his short state visit. — VDV/RSJ, GMA Integrated News