07 December 2013 - In a meeting today with Foreign Minister of Hungary János Martonyi, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario urged the Hungarian official to look at trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines to strengthen bilateral ties and foster partnerships for cooperation in areas such as mobility of higher education, tourism and cultural promotion, and water management.
In his first ever visit to the Philippines, Minister Martonyi congratulated Secretary del Rosario for his leadership in steering the country’s foreign policy including the defense of interests in the West Philippine Sea. He committed to further boost the long-standing relations between the two countries.
The Hungarian official offered his sympathies to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and assured the Philippine government of continued support for its rehabilitation and recovery plan towards building back the communities affected by the disaster.
“The Filipino nation is thankful to the Hungarian government as it was one of the first countries which offered assistance the day after the typhoon struck. Hungary is sending a water purification plant destined to Guiuan, Eastern Samar to benefit thousands of families in that town and nearby areas,” Secretary del Rosario remarked.
With relations of the two countries firmly founded in mutual respect, Secretary del Rosario and Minister Martonyi committed to explore ways in advancing cooperation, noting the countries’ historical and cultural ties and common desire to develop concrete projects. The country’s recovery from the recent disaster was identified as the most urgent in pursuing bilateral cooperation.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister paid a courtesy call on Vice President Jejomar Binay with whom he discussed specific forms of cooperation.
The meeting forms part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Hungary established in 1973. Activities were conducted in Manila and Budapest in celebration of the occasion. END