Marcos to sign 3 pacts in upcoming Cambodia visit

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. —PHOTO FROM PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE/FACEBOOK

President Marcos is expected to sign three bilateral agreements during his state visit to Cambodia from Sept. 7 to Sept. 9, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday.

The deals will cover cooperation on higher education, air services, and the fight against transnational crime and human trafficking.

DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said the visit aims to expand economic cooperation—both bilateral and regional—and secure Cambodia’s support for the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in 2026.

“The visit is expected to result in agreements and initiatives that will expand cooperation and bring tangible benefits to both Filipinos and Cambodians. It will further affirm the Philippines’ dedication to advancing its bilateral interests and connectivity with Cambodia,” she said at a Palace briefing.

The delegation will also push for stronger intra-Asean trade, including the export of Filipino food, beverages and pharmaceutical products, as well as the promotion of local franchises. Tourism exchanges between the two countries are likewise on the agenda.

“We’re also looking at franchising. And we hope to have more Cambodian tourists coming to the Philippines and more Filipino tourists going to Cambodia,” she said.

Escalona added that discussions may also touch on regional concerns such as scam hubs and human trafficking.

The Chief Executive will be joined by first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Commission on Higher Education Chair Shirley Agrupis and Presidential Communications Office acting Secretary Dave Gomez.