Philippines Kicks Off Golden Year Anniversary Celebration of Diplomatic Relations with the Czech Republic
Left photo: PH Ambassador Eduardo Martin R. Meñez (4th from left) toasts with Member of Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Security Pavel Začek during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic at the Lindner Hotel Prague Castle on 05 October 2023. Also in photo are (from left) Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Edvard Kožušnik; Mr. Erwin Blumentritt, descendant of Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt; Member of Parliament and Chair of CZ-PH Interparliamentary Friendship Group Mrs. Romana Fischerová; Director General for Non-European Countries, Economic and Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kateřina Sequensová; Ms. Angela Loewen Laurel and Mrs. Noelle Esperanza Sy-Quia, descendants of Dr. Jose Rizal. Right photo: Mrs. Noelle Esperanza Sy-Quia (R) and Mr. Erwin Blumentritt (L) exchange gifts to symbolize the continuing friendship between the Philippines and the Czech Republic. (photo from Prague PE)
PRAGUE 31 October 2023 - Philippine Ambassador to Czech Republic Eduardo R. Meñez led the commencement of the year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic with a diplomatic reception at the Lindner Hotel Prague Castle on 05 October 2023. About 100 guests attended the event.
“We enter the future with a memory of the past – we focus on what lies ahead with the lessons of history as a guide: to not repeat mistakes, to build on alliances, and to continue the story of evolution and growth. Relating this to the state of bilateral relations today, we see that the strong historical and cultural links between our two countries provide a solid foundation for a brighter tomorrow of mutually beneficial partnership,” said Ambassador Meñez.
Ms. Katerina Sequensova, Director General for Non-European Countries, Economic and Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored that the Czech Republic “stands ready to further enhance our partnership with the Philippines in areas like security and defence industry, cultural exchange, education, science and technology or the labour migration.”
Making the event more historical was the meeting of and exchange of gifts between Mrs. Noelle Esperanza Sy-Quia and Mr. Erwin Blumentritt, descendants of Dr. Jose Rizal and Czech-born Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, respectively.
In cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the exhibit “Colors of Freedom” was mounted at the event. Composed of eight stations, it presented the history and evolution of the Philippine flag, the meaning of every color and emblem found in it, and its importance to the Filipino people.
The Igorots in the Czech Republic (ICR) shared their cultural heritage with their traditional dance and instrument called the "gangsa" or gongs. END
PH Ambassador Eduardo Martin R. Meñez (L) with Member of Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Security Pavel Zacek (R) (photo from Prague PE)
PH Ambassador Eduardo Martin R. Meñez(center) with Member of Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Security Pavel Zacek
(L) and Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Edvard Kožušnik ® (photo from Prague PE)
PH Ambassador Eduardo Martin R. Meñez (4th from left) with (L to R) Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Edvard Kožušnik; Mr. Erwin Blumentritt, descendant of Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt; Member of Parliament and Chair of the CZ-PH Interparliamentary Friendship Group Mrs. Romana Fischerová; Member of Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Security Pavel Zacek; Ms. Kateřina Sequensová, Director General for Non-European Countries, Economic and Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Angela Loewen Laurel and Mrs. Noelle Esperanza Sy-Quia, descendants of Dr. Jose Rizal. (photo from Prague PE)
For more information, visit https://www.praguepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinCzechRepublic/.