Philippines Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on November 13 2024 in Cambodia to pursue the commitment of both countries to enhancing cooperation in rice trade, tourism, security, and defense.

Romualdez said Cambodia could help the Philippines in ensuring a stable and affordable rice supply amid the Philippines’ vulnerability to increasingly violent tropical storms along with other climate-related disruptions that impact the agricultural sector.

“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,” Romualdez said.

Despite increasing local rice production, Romualdez said the Philippines still needs to import rice to ensure a steady supply, relying largely on Vietnam and Thailand.

Romualdez noted that during the bilateral meeting between Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Cambodian PM Hun Manet at the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne in March 2024, both countries agreed to boost rice trade, highlighting ongoing efforts to tackle double taxation and improve ease of doing business.

The Speaker and Cambodian PM Hun Manet also discussed advancing mutual interests in tourism and people-to-people exchanges, security, and defense.

“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 said.

Romualdez said his official visit marks a significant step forward in the Philippines-Cambodia bilateral relationship.

“I look forward to joining President Marcos in welcoming you to the Philippines in February for your Official Visit,” he told the Cambodian PM.

“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 people,” Romualdez added.