President Duterte Receives Grand Welcome With Red Carpet, Military Band In Cambodia

The highest officials of Cambodia on Wednesday, December 14, gave a grand arrival ceremony for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

President Duterte walked on the red carpet while a military band played.

The visiting President shook hands with top Cambodian officials before introducing members of his own party.

The Philippine President also attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Independence Monument, and at the monument of King Norodom Sihanouk, known as the Father of Cambodia.

President Duterte’s state visit is the first “standalone” bilateral visit of a Philippine President in 20 years.

Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Christopher Montero earlier said Prime Minister Hun Sen personally admires President Duterte for “standing up” against the West in calling for non-interference in state affairs.

“Prime Minister Hun Sen has deep admiration for President Duterte. He has expressed it publicly in the past. He sees in him an ally in terms of standing up against Western countries insofar as non-interference in internal affairs of state is concerned,” Montero told reporters.

“The fact that it was elevated to a state visit only shows, demonstrates, that Cambodia attaches great value to its bilateral relations with the Philippines in spite of certain differences in our approach to the South China Sea issue. But again, the South China Sea issue is not the defining issue in terms of our bilateral relations are concerned,” he added.

Furthermore, Montero expects a “lively discussion” between President Duterte and Prime Minister Hun Sen on that subject when the two leaders meet on Wednesday afternoon.

“At least two agreements, on sports and tourism cooperation are expected to be signed. Agreements concerning cooperation on transnational crime and labor are still being finalized,” Montero said.

Source: ABS CBN