Sofia: The enduring friendship and expanding cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines were the focus of a meeting in Sofia on Friday, as H.E. Dr. Chea Chanboribo, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Bulgaria, received H.E. Noel Servigon, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Romania, for a courtesy call.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Ambassador Chea Chanboribo congratulated Ambassador Servigon on his recent appointment, expressing confidence that the close relations between the two nations would continue to deepen. The Cambodian envoy highlighted the long-standing friendship and extensive cooperation the two nations share, both bilaterally and within ASEAN, built upon mutual respect and shared interests.
The ambassador reflected on the history of diplomatic ties, which were first established on Aug. 20, 1957. After a suspension during the Khmer Rouge period in 1975, relations were officially restored in February 1992. Since then, bilateral cooperation has seen significant expansion across sectors, including economy, security and defence, education, health, labour, agriculture, trade, and environment.
Ambassador Chea Chanboribo also recalled early cultural exchanges, noting the historic visit by King Norodom to the Philippines in the 1870s to study its cultural development. He highlighted that the King later invited a Filipino musical troupe to Cambodia, an event that significantly shaped traditional Cambodian music.
The Cambodian Ambassador noted that the recent state visit by the President of the Philippines to Cambodia in September 2025 further cemented the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and peoples. He underscored Cambodia’s firm commitment to expanding cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, and digital transformation.
On the regional front, Ambassador Chea Chanboribo praised the Philippines for its active and constructive role in strengthening ASEAN unity and maintaining peace and stability across the region. The Ambassador also used the opportunity to brief his Philippine counterpart on the recent Cambodia-Thailand border tensions. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to the July 28 ceasefire agreement and reiterated the nation’s call for a peaceful, final resolution through the International Court of Justice.
The meeting concluded in a warm and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the close and growing partnership between Cambodia and the Philippines. As a cultural gesture, Ambassador Chanboribo presented Ambassador Servigon with a traditional scarf (Krama) highlighting the UNESCO-inscribed item’s cultural and daily significance in Cambodian society.