Philippines, Cambodia to boost rice trade, defense ties

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet for a bilateral meeting at a hotel in Melbourne, Australia on Monday, March 4, 2024. Joining the meeting are House Speaker Martin Romualdez, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. and other officials. NOEL B. PABALATE/PPA POOL

MELBOURNE, Australia — President Ferdinand ”Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet agreed to boost rice trade between the Philippines and Cambodia.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos and Hun had a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit where they highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle double taxation and improve the ease of doing business.

The leaders also discussed expanding flight connections for improved accessibility to the countries’ premier tourism destinations.

Marcos and Hun also agreed to strengthen defense ties to address mutual security concerns.

Aside from Cambodia, Marcos will also have a bilateral meeting with New Zealand on Tuesday. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News