21 May 2004 – Conveying the deep appreciation of the Cambodian people for  the Philippines’ cooperation in university-level education, Cambodian Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Choeung Bun Theng called on Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today.  Ambassador Bun Theng will present his credentials to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at Malacanang a few days after today’s call.

“We discussed several issues. But what stood out was Cambodia’s appreciation  for the opportunity to send their young and future leaders to our universities. I am glad that we are able to play a role in helping shape the values and aspirations of a nation,” Secretary Albert said after the call.

Secretary Albert and Ambassador Bun Theng discussed matters of mutual  concern and interest, such as increased bilateral cooperation. Both countries have concluded agreements on economic and trade relations, agricultural and agribusiness cooperation and tourism cooperation.  Since the reopening of the Cambodian Embassy in Manila in 1999 and the Philippine Embassy in Phnom  Penh in 1995, the Philippines and Cambodia have enjoyed friendly relations.

As a close neighbor and fellow ASEAN member, the Philippines, together with  the international community, assisted Cambodia as part of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) in making the transition to self-sustaining governance after decades of conflict. The Philippines continues to send agricultural experts to Cambodia to assist in that country’s development under the Rural Development and Resettlement Project (RD&RP). Cambodia is also an active member of ASEAN.

Secretary Albert said that “both countries are looking forward to taking their bilateral relationship to a higher level.”  It was agreed that the Philippine-Cambodia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) should be convened at a mutually agreed date. The JCBC is a mechanism that allows both countries to build on existing agreements and to identify opportunities for cooperation in political, economic and cultural areas.  A professional diplomat, Ambassador Bun Theng has held various positions such as Secretary of Interior, Deputy Permanent Secretary General of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Deputy Director of Cabinet, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  END.