Marcos, Hun Manet eye expanded trade, defense ties during ASEAN Summit

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. expressed hope that talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia would progress on bilateral trade and cooperation.

Marcos highlighted improvements in trade relations since 2023, attributing the positive development to an increase in Philippine automobile exports to Cambodia.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration into other key areas, including defense, to strengthen their strategic partnership and ensure regional peace and stability.

Hun Manet appreciated the warm hospitality he received during his February visit to the Philippines and encouraged ASEAN member states to embrace opportunities for resilience and growth.

In February, Marcos and Hun Manet signed several agreements aimed at improving bilateral ties in areas such as double taxation elimination, information technology cooperation, agricultural collaboration, competition law implementation, vocational training, tourism cooperation, cultural property protection, and investment promotion.