Hun Sen Meets Philippine Ambassador, Affirms Bilateral Progress

On July 16, 2026, at the Senate President's residence in Phnom Penh, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen met with Her Excellency Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo, the outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to Cambodia. The meeting marked the conclusion of Ambassador Mayo's diplomatic mission in Cambodia and served as an opportunity to exchange views on the progress of bilateral relations and future cooperation. Following the meeting, Senate Spokesperson His Excellency Chea Thireth informed reporters that Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed satisfaction with the progress of Cambodia-Philippines relations during Ambassador Mayo's tenure and conveyed high optimism for the future of ties between the two nations. He highlighted the frequent high-level exchanges, including the visit of the Philippine President to Cambodia and Prime Minister Hun Manet's visit to the Philippines, as clear indicators of the strength of the relationship. Ambassador Mayo conveyed her gratitude to Samdech Techo for granting her and her colleagues an audience for this farewell meeting. She emphasized that her tenure clearly demonstrated the growing relationship between Cambodia and the Philippines, particularly through the frequent exchange of visits by the leaders of both countries. She noted that this level of engagement underscores the robustness of the bilateral ties. Furthermore, she pointed to the advancements in economic, trade, and investment relations, stating that Cambodia and the Philippines are moving forward together in expanding trade. She also highlighted the increasing activity in people-to-people exchanges between the two nations and expressed the Philippines' interest in Cambodia's agricultural products, anticipating a further increase in export volumes. Samdech Techo expressed his pleasure with Ambassador Mayo's remarks regarding the expansion of economic, trade, and investment cooperation alongside strong political relations. He considered economic and trade ties to be the core of Cambodia-Philippines relations and expressed hope for a continued increase in Cambodia's agricultural exports to the Philippines, especially rice. He also encouraged an increase in direct flights between the two countries to further invigorate people-to-people exchanges and foster deeper friendship through mutual visits. During the meeting, the issue of the Cambodia-Thailand border was also discussed. Samdech Techo reiterated Cambodia's stance on resolving the Cambodia-Thailand border issue peacefully, based on international law and existing mechanisms agreed upon by both parties. Ambassador Mayo affirmed that the Philippines, in its capacity as ASEAN Chair, would strive to facilitate the resolution of border disputes between Cambodia and Thailand. In conclusion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen wished Ambassador Mayo good health, prosperity, and success in all her future endeavors as she concludes her diplomatic mission in Cambodia. Source: CEN Cambodia