President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed elation over Cambodia’s warm hospitality, saying it is an affirmation of deepening bilateral relations between Phnom Penh and Manila.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Marcos thanked top Cambodian officials for the warm welcome.

Cambodian acting Head of State and Senate President Samdech Hun Sen hosted a state banquet in honor of Marcos at the Peace Palace, the official office of the Prime Minister of Cambodia, on Monday night.

“Thank you, Acting Head of State Samdech Hun Sen and Madame Bun Rany Hun Sen for the gracious welcome,” Marcos said.

“The Philippines and Cambodia remain bound by shared hopes for peace, stability, and prosperity in our region. Together, we will continue to strengthen our ties, grow through intra-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) trade, and uphold ASEAN Centrality for the good of our peoples,” he added.

Marcos is set to return to Manila on Tuesday after a three-day state visit to Cambodia upon the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.

Marcos’ visit to Phnom Penh resulted in the signing of bilateral agreements on police cooperation, higher education and air services.

The state visit also aims to bolster the Philippines’ preparations for its ASEAN chairmanship in 2026.

It is also a reciprocal visit following Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s trip to the Philippines in February.

It was his second visit to Cambodia as head of state after the 2022 ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

The Philippines and Cambodia have maintained formal diplomatic relations since Aug. 20, 1957. (PNA)