Cambodia PM Hun Manet Leaves for ASEAN Summit in Philippines

PHNOM PENH, May 7, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet departed Thursday for Cebu, the Philippines, to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit, held May 7–8, government spokesman Meas Sophorn said.

Samdech Thipadei is attending at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose country chairs the regional bloc this year.

The Cambodian leader is accompanied by his wife, Pich Chanmony, senior government officials and private‑sector representatives.

Speaking at Techo International Airport, Sophorn said the summit will address regional challenges including energy security, food stability and the protection of ASEAN citizens.

Held under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”, the meeting is also expected to tackle broader geopolitical and economic issues, with leaders discussing ways to strengthen cooperation and resilience.

On the sidelines, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet is due to hold bilateral talks with fellow ASEAN leaders to deepen cooperation and advance shared interests.

ASEAN summits, convened twice yearly, set priorities and coordinate responses to cross‑border challenges. Recent discussions have focused on energy demand, food supply resilience, climate change and rising geopolitical tensions.

The Cebu gathering comes amid concerns over global energy market volatility and climate‑related pressures on agriculture across Southeast Asia. Protection of citizens abroad is also expected to feature prominently, as migration and cross‑border travel increase across the region.

Cambodia, which joined ASEAN in 1999, last chaired the bloc in 2022. Participation remains a key pillar of Phnom Penh’s foreign policy, supporting diplomatic engagement, trade and investment.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, who assumed office in 2023, has continued to promote multilateral cooperation while seeking to strengthen Cambodia’s economic growth and regional role.