Cebu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia and Cambodia are set to intensify their cooperation across various sectors, with a keen focus on trade, halal industry, higher education, and regional security governance. This partnership aims particularly at combating cross-border crime and job scam activities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, currently attending the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu, the Philippines, engaged in a bilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. The discussions, held on the sidelines of the summit, reinforced the commitment of both nations to bolster their cooperation in sectors such as higher education, agriculture, halal, and tourism. Anwar emphasized Malaysia's openness to welcoming more Cambodian students and tourists, reflecting the spirit of ASEAN's shared development goals.

The prime minister highlighted that the meeting with Hun Manet was conducted in a spirit of regional friendship, aimed at enhancing the well-being of citizens in both countries. Anwar reiterated Malaysia's appreciation for its long-standing relationship with Cambodia, underscoring the significance of people-to-people ties, economic collaboration, and strategic network expansion across multiple fields.

Amid global geopolitical uncertainties and economic challenges, Anwar stressed the importance of strengthening ASEAN as a platform for regional peace, stability, and prosperity, grounded in mutual trust and shared interests.