Manila prepares to welcome Cambodian PM
Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet —File photo/AP
MANILA, Philippines — Two months after 13 Filipino surrogate mothers were pardoned by King Sihamoni of Cambodia, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet is set to embark on his first official visit to the Philippines for a bilateral meeting with President Marcos.
Malacañang announced on Friday night Hun Manet and first lady Chanmony Hun Manet, who will be in Manila from Feb. 10 to Feb. 11, will be welcomed by Marcos at an official luncheon at the Palace on their second day, Tuesday.
READ: 13 surrogates pardoned by Cambodia, back in PH
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the two leaders will “discuss advancing cooperation in combating transnational crimes, defense, trade, tourism and regional and multilateral cooperation.”
The PCO said there are more than 7,000 Filipinos who are working in Cambodia.
Human trafficking
In December last year, King Sihamoni extended a pardon to 13 Filipino surrogate mothers who were convicted for human trafficking in Cambodia. They were freed from detention and returned to the Philippines in the same month.
They were among 20 Filipino women arrested in Kandal province in September for their alleged involvement in surrogacy, which is considered illegal in Cambodia.
Humanitarian treatment
The Department of Foreign Affairs thanked the Cambodian government, headed by Hun Manet, for extending humanitarian treatment to the Filipino mothers “throughout the investigative and judicial processes.”
Last year, The Philippine and Cambodian governments agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation, especially on trade and tourism.
The affirmation was made during the visit of Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Chenda Sophea to Manila last year.
After meetings with Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, the two ministers agreed to strengthen ties on defense and security, combating transnational crime, culture and sports, while deepening engagements on health, environment and energy.
The Southeast Asian neighbors are expediting the conclusion of agreements on agriculture, labor, technical and vocational education, and the prevention of looting and illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts. —with a report from PNA
