Pres. Duterte meets Cambodia’s foreign minister, assures strong ties

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte discusses matters with Kingdom of Cambodia Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhon who paid a courtesy call on the President in Malacañan Palace on December 6, 2017. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte received Cambodia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in a courtesy call in Malacañang on Wednesday, December 6.

The President said he was glad to see an ASEAN brother coming to the Philippines, noting that he wants the Philippines to forge a stronger bond with Cambodia.

With the foundation of strong relations laid out during the recently concluded ASEAN Summit in Manila, the President said he wants trade and investment to flourish between the two countries. He said he expects many Cambodian companies to invest in the Philippines.

The Cambodian Foreign Minister was accompanied by Secretary of State Ung Sean (MFAIC), Secretary of State Prum Sokha (Ministry of Interior), Secretary of State Neang Phat (Ministry of National Defense), Secretary of State Tekreth Kamrang (Ministry of Commerce), and Cambodia’s Ambassador to the Philippines Tout Panha.

Madame Kheng Samvada, the spouse of Minister Prak Sokhon, was also present.

Prior to meeting Cambodia’s Foreign Minister, President Duterte met Most Reverend Gabriele Caccia, the new Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. Reverend Gabriele Caccia presented his credentials to the President.

France’s new Ambassador to the Philippines, Nicolas Galey, also presented his credentials to President Duterte on Wednesday.

During the meeting with the Apostolic Nuncio, President Duterte said the Philippines is proud of being the only predominantly Catholic country in Asia. He said he wants the Philippines to have strong relations with the Vatican.

In meeting France’s new envoy, the President congratulated Ambassador Galey for being appointed to the Philippines.

The Philippines and France have been partners in trade and other areas. President Duterte said he wants that to continue. President Duterte also recognized France’s assistance to the Philippines in fighting terrorism and assured the new envoy that the Philippines will continue to support France in fighting Islamic extremism.

Officials of the Macau-based Galaxy Entertainment Group also paid a courtesy call on President Duterte on Wednesday.

Galaxy Entertainment, one of the world’s leading resorts, hospitality and gaming companies, tied up with a local partner to invest in the Philippines.

The company is in the process of complying with government requirements to start operating in the country. Among Galaxy Entertainment’s officials who paid a courtesy call on President Duterte were Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. chairman Dr. Lui Che Woo, Deputy Chairman Francis Lui Yiu Tung, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Dir. Rolando Macasaet, Galaxy Entertainment President Michael Victor Mecca, Senior Director for Strategic Planning Roland To Chi Kay, Senior Director for International Premium and Mass Market Development Raymond Yap Yin Min, Senior Manager Andrew Nicolas Lui, and Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Negros Occidental (Third District).

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia and PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo were also present.

President Duterte capped his schedules on Wednesday by hosting a dinner in Malacañang with wounded soldiers from Marawi City.

He conferred the Order of Lapu Lapu with rank of Kampilan on six soldiers who fought to liberate the city. Among those who received the award were Sgt. Nelson Lunas, Cpl. Milkie Cawayan, Pfc. Rey Prosia, Pvt. Jusua Singabor, Cpl. Hilario Cinco and Pfc. Rodgie Valdez.