Hungarian Foreign Minister’s Visit Continues Strengthening of Bilateral Ties with the Philippines
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo (right) and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó engage in discussions on bilateral cooperation and international concerns. (Photo by DFA-OPD Johannes Adrian De Guia)
MANILA 14 JUNE 2014 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo held a bilateral meeting with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó at the Makati Diamond Residences on Thursday, 13 June 2024.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister’s visit to the Philippines coincides with the ongoing celebrations of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Hungary. It also marks Minister Szijjártó’s third visit to the Philippines following previous visits in 2017 and 2020.
During their meeting, Secretary Manalo and Foreign Minister Szijjártó delved on economic cooperation, including on agriculture, transportation, and renewable energy. Secretary Manalo encouraged Hungarian investments in agriculture, ICT, digital technologies, and water technologies, as well as green metals, electrical vehicle manufacturing, and smart and high-tech light manufacturing.
He also thanked Hungary for its support for the resumption this year of the PH-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, and expressed confidence that during Hungary’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, the PH-EU FTA talks will gain further momentum.
Both officials also delved on strengthening cooperation on climate change mitigation, sports, science and technology, education, and tourism.
On cooperation on labor, both sides welcomed the opening of the Migrant Workers Office in Budapest, which will facilitate the provision of assistance to OFWs in Hungary. There are currently around 16,000 Filipinos living, studying, and working in Hungary, and this number is expected to increase.
The two officials also engaged in a comprehensive discussion on regional and international issues. Secretary Manalo focused on the current issue of the West Philippine Sea, stating that "any efforts towards peace and stability in the South China Sea must be anchored on international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, and must respect the legitimate interests and legally settled rights of every state."
Foreign Minister Szijjártó, on the other hand, highlighted Hungary’s priorities during its upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union. Both sides also discussed the continuing security and humanitarian concerns in Ukraine and the Middle East.
In closing, both officials expressed optimism about the future of Philippines-Hungary relations and pledged to work closely together to address shared challenges and pursue common goals for the mutual benefit of their peoples. END