AKP Phnom Penh, July 18, 2025 --

Cambodia and the Philippines have agreed to strengthen their defence cooperation, with a particular focus on human resource development and capacity-building.

The agreement was reached during a meeting this afternoon at the Peace Palace between Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and H.E. Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido, Commanding General of the Philippine Army.

H.E. Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido expressed his satisfaction with the growing bilateral relations between the two countries, especially the close cooperation between their respective armies, which he said was rooted in friendship and mutual trust.

He reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to prioritising cooperation in human resource training and pledged continued support in sharing expertise and skills with the Royal Cambodian Army, while also learning from Cambodia’s own experiences.

In response, Samdech Thipadei conveyed greetings to H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines, and expressed his anticipation of the President’s state visit to Cambodia in the near future.

The Prime Minister lauded the fruitful progress of military relations between the two nations, citing the recent completion of a joint training course as a strong example of their expanding partnership. Looking ahead, he suggested exploring cooperation beyond the army, including in the naval and air force domains.

Regarding the defence ties, Samdech Thipadei underlined the critical importance of human resource development—particularly in enhancing the armed forces’ ability to tackle transnational crimes and cyber threats, which pose significant risks to regional and global security and economic stability.

He encouraged both nations' armed forces to collaborate more closely to deepen and broaden their cooperation.

By C. Nika