Hungarian Foreign Minister’s visit continues to strengthen bilateral ties with the Philippines

The Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Enrique A. Manalo, held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of HungaryPéter Szijjártó, at the Makati Diamond Residences on Thursday, June 13, 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, after those made in 2017 and 2020.

During their meeting, Secretary Manalo and Foreign Minister Szijjártó deepened economic cooperation, including agriculture, transportation and renewable energy. Secretary Manalo encouraged Hungary to invest in agriculture, ICT, digital technologies and water technologies, as well as green metals, electric vehicle manufacturing and smart and high-tech light manufacturing.

He also thanked Hungary for its support for this year’s resumption of negotiations on the EU-Hungary Free Trade Agreement, and expressed confidence that, during the next Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union, talks on the Free Trade Agreement Free Trade between the EU and Hungary gains greater momentum.

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Both officials also delved into strengthening cooperation in climate change mitigation, sports, science and technology, education and tourism.

On labor cooperation, both sides welcomed the opening of the Migrant Workers Office in Budapest, which will facilitate the provision of assistance to overseas Filipino workers in Hungary. There are currently about 16,000 Filipinos living, studying and working in Hungary, and this number is expected to increase.

Secretary Manalo encouraged Hungary to invest in agriculture, ICT, digital technologies and water technologies

Both officials also held a broad debate on regional and international issues. Secretary Manalo focused on the ongoing issue of the West Philippine Sea, stating that “any effort towards peace and stability in the South China Sea must be anchored in international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS and the Arbitration Award of 2016, and must respect the legitimate interests and legally established rights of each State. For his part, Foreign Minister Szijjártó highlighted Hungary’s priorities during its upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union. Both sides also discussed the continuing humanitarian and security problems in Ukraine and the Middle East.

In conclusion, both officials expressed optimism about the future of Philippine-Hungary relations and pledged to collaborate closely to address shared challenges and pursue common goals for the mutual benefit of their people.