Secretary Locsin Meets Hungarian National Assembly Speaker

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. with Hungarian National Assembly Speaker Laszlo Kover at the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest on 13 February 2019. (Budapest PE photo)

BUDAPEST 19 February 2019 — Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. met with Hungarian National Assembly Speaker Laszlo Kover in Budapest on 13 February 2019 to discuss various mutual concerns and promote interparliamentary cooperation between the Philippines and Hungary.

Speaker Kover expressed his sympathy for the victims of the bombings in Jolo last January. Secretary Locsin conveyed appreciation to Hungary for being one of the first to provide assistance after the bombings through a donation of 10 million Hungarian forint.

The National Assembly Speaker noted the growing relations between the Philippines and Hungary resulting from their government's “Eastern Opening” policy and the reopening of the Hungarian Embassy in Manila in 2017, which led to what the Speaker said is “a new era for relations” between the two countries. He expressed interest in further expanding bilateral relations through parliamentary friendship groups in the Hungarian Parliament and the Philippine Congress.

Secretary Locsin welcomed the planned visit of Speaker Kover to Manila later this year, and thanked him for Hungary’s support and understanding for the Philippines’ domestic policies including the fight against illegal drugs.

The Foreign Affairs Secretary spoke of the similar Christian culture of the Philippines and Hungary, congratulating Hungary for its actions towards protecting Christian minorities. He said that the Philippines will add its voice in support of Hungary on this issue. They also discussed their respective stand on the Global Compact for Migration and the upcoming elections in the Philippines and the European Parliament.

During their meeting, Speaker Kover took the opportunity to convey his continued support for the “Stipendium Hungaricum” program that provides opportunities for 35 Filipinos each year to study in Hungarian universities. He stated that the scholarships are an important initiative towards creating young leaders who will become the “engine of bilateral relations.” END

For more information, visit www.budapestpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHungary/.