Cambodia has great admiration for President Duterte and is considered a rock star in that country for his tough talking nature and because of the former, it has decided to elevate his “official visit” to a “state visit” to highlight the importance of the relations between the two countries, a Filipino diplomat said.
“Prime Minister Hun Sen has a 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 a state is concerned,” Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Christopher Montero said in a media interview at the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
“The fact that it was elevated to state visit only demonstrates that Cambodia attaches great value to its bilateral relations to the Philippines in spite of certain differences in approach in South China Sea issue,” Montero added.
The President, known for his uncompromising crackdown on illegal drugs and anti-America rhetoric, is expected to be given a red-carpet welcome when he pays a state visit to Phnom Penh from December 13 to 14. Duterte’s historic two-day visit includes a royal audience with the Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
A state visit is considered the highest level of hospitality, honor, and formality in relations between two countries.
Under a state visit, the host government invites a foreign leader who is given full military honors upon arrival. A state luncheon or dinner will also be held in honor of the visiting leader and the host government also shoulders payment for the visit’s cost for the official delegation. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)