Speaker Martin Romualdez met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the first day of his two-day official visit to Cambodia to pursue the commitment of both countries to enhancing cooperation in rice trade, tourism, security, and defense.
With the Philippines’ vulnerability to increasingly violent tropical storms, along with other climate-related disruptions that impact our agricultural sector, Romualdez said ensuring a stable and affordable rice supply has become a national priority.
“Collaborating with Cambodia, a leading rice exporter, will help us secure a steady supply of this vital commodity. Strengthening our food security not only protects Filipino families but also ensures our resilience in the face of extreme weather events,” according to the Speaker.
Romualdez noted that despite increasing local rice production, the Philippines still relies on imports to ensure a steady supply, relying largely on Vietnam and Thailand.
He noted that during the bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Hun at the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne last March, both sides agreed to boost rice trade between the Philippines and Cambodia, highlighting ongoing efforts to tackle double taxation and improve ease of doing business.
Expressing his gratitude for Cambodia’s emphasis on diversifying its import and export markets, Romualdez also told Hun of his hopes for a productive visit to Phnom Penh of a Philippine trade and investment mission slated for January 2025.
Beyond rice trade, the dialogue between Romualdez and Hun extended to advancing mutual interests in tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
“Let me assure Your Excellency that the House of Representatives remains ready to enhance and deepen our ties with the National Assembly of Cambodia through various initiatives under the Philippines-Cambodia Parliamentarians Friendship Group, Inc.,” Romualdez told the Cambodian leader.
In the areas of security and defense, Romualdez and the Prime Minister reaffirmed their commitment to working closely on issues affecting regional peace and security.
Romualdez said his official visit marks a significant step forward in the Philippines-Cambodia bilateral relationship, as he also expressed his optimism about the enduring partnership between the two nations.
“I look forward to joining President Marcos in welcoming you to the Philippines in February for your Official Visit,” he told the Prime Minister.
“As close neighbors and ASEAN partners, the Philippines and Cambodia share a mutual aspiration for growth and security. By working together, we can unlock new opportunities and create a better future for our peoples,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez pursues stronger Philippine bilateral relations with Cambodia
