Cambodian Ambassador to the Philippines Phan Peuv on Thursday said it is a “great honor and privilege“ to work with the Marcos administration, citing the improved ties between Cambodia and the Philippines during his tour of duty.

In a farewell call at Malacañan Palace in Manila, Phan expressed gratitude to the Philippine government for its unwavering support and commitment to enhance the two nations’ bilateral relations.

“For the past three years, I have been privileged to work with you to further push our bilateral relations and cooperation in common areas,” Phan told Marcos, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office.

Phan served as Cambodia’s ambassador to the Philippines for three years since 2022.

He first met Marcos days before the latter’s inauguration as the Philippine president on June 30, 2022 to discuss ways to improve the bilateral and diplomatic relations between Cambodia and the Philippines.

Phan, whose term officially concluded on Thursday, said he was delighted to meet Marcos.

In a Facebook post, Marcos acknowledged Phan’s contributions to strengthening Philippines-Cambodia relations.

“From enhancing trade and investment to our shared efforts in combatting transnational crime, your dedication has helped deepen our partnership. Wishing you success in your next endeavors,” Marcos said.

Phan ended his tour of duty Thursday following the official visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to the Philippines on Feb. 10 to 11.

Phan also expressed elation over the “fruitful outcome” of Hun Manet’s two-day visit.

Marcos said he was glad to receive Phan after his “very successful and productive” meeting with Hun Manet.

He said his previous engagements with Hun Manet during international meetings resulted in productive discussions in the Philippines.

“During the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) meetings, Prime Minister Hun Manet and I have always been somehow discussing many, many things about both our countries and the similarities,” Marcos said.

On the sidelines of Marcos and Hun Manet’s meeting at Malacañang on Tuesday, eight agreements were signed to expand Manila and Phnom Penh’s collaboration in key areas such as agriculture, education, trade, and other investments.

Both leaders also witnessed the signing of agreements aimed at expanding bilateral collaboration across various sectors.

Hun Manet’s official visit underscores the two nations’ shared commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations, which was first established in 1957 and reaffirmed in 1995. (PNA)