President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today welcomed Cambodian Prince Norodom Ranariddh who is in the country for a five-day visit.

In her remarks during a luncheon for the Prince, the President said she was happy to note that Ranariddh, who is also president of Cambodia’s National Assembly, was among a number of parliamentarians in the Southeast Asian region who are working towards the establishment of an Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) parliament, similar to the European parliament.

Prince Ranariddh, the son of King Norodom Sihanouk, arrived in the country yesterday with his wife, Princess Norodom Marie Ranariddh, and their daughter Princess Norodom Ratanederie.

The President cited the very warm and close relations between the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines.

She also noted that Cambodia would be holding elections for the National Assembly next year, adding that "Your Highness’ role in ending civil strife in Cambodia which makes elections possible is well recognized."

The President wished Ranariddh continued success in his drive for peace, stability and prosperity in Cambodia.

The President said Cambodia and the Philippines can learn much from each other.

"The Philippines could consider Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and the effort to preserve and promote it as an area of bilateral cooperation," the President said.

The President took the opportunity to congratulate the Prince for his talent in filmmaking and his courageous vision for the future of Khmer art and culture.

The Prince has not only produced but also directed his first movie, "Raja Bori" or Royal Land.

The President said the desire of the leading man in the movie to preserve and promote the beauty of the Angkor Wat and the leading lady’s desire to promote the Khmer dance reflect the aspirations of the Cambodian people to preserve and strengthen the Khmer culture.

On a personal note, the President said she felt sentimental to host the Prince today "because 40 years ago, my father, then-President Diosdado Macapagal, also hosted your father – his Royal Highness then, His Majesty now – in this very same room."

The President earlier received Prince Ranariddh at Malacaņang’s Study Room and later on joined the Prince and his wife and daughter in a luncheon at the State Dining Room.