Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez welcomed Jan. 15 the delegation of Hungarian Member of Parliament, Zsolt Németh, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Hungary’s National Assembly, to discuss initiatives aimed at building closer political and interparliamentary ties.
He said the meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Philippines and Hungary to enhancing bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.
“It is a pleasure to meet chairman Zsolt Németh and discuss the numerous opportunities to strengthen our partnership. Hungary has been a steadfast friend to the Philippines, and I look forward to further deepening our cooperation in the years to come,” Romualdez said in a press release.
He commended the sustained high-level exchanges between the two countries, including the visit of Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó to the Philippines in June 2023.
“These visits reflect the strong diplomatic ties and mutual respect between our nations,” the Speaker noted.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of fostering interparliamentary ties.
Romualdez acknowledged the efforts of Hungarian deputy speaker Istvan Jakab, who visited Manila in 2021, and then Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who led delegations to Hungary in 2019 and 2023.
To further strengthen relations, Romualdez said the Philippines-Hungary Parliamentarians’ Friendship Group in the House of Representatives would be established after the May 2025 midterm elections.
“Your visit today is an important addition to our interparliamentary relations, and I am confident it will pave the way for more meaningful exchanges,” he added.
“We look forward to the formation of this group,” said Németh in response.
Romualdez highlighted Hungary’s position as the Philippines’ 14th largest trading partner among EU member states in 2023. He expressed optimism about enhancing trade relations, particularly in promoting Philippine products, such as electronic equipment, machinery, optical products, and medical instruments.
“The Philippines-Hungary business forum, held during the 6th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation in Dec. 2023, is a testament to our growing economic ties,” Romualdez said.
He expressed appreciation for Hungary’s support in the ongoing negotiations for the PH-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Németh expressed optimism the PH-EU FTA could be finalized this year.
With approximately 11,600 Filipinos living and working in Hungary, Romualdez also expressed gratitude for Hungary’s support in opening the Migrant Workers Office in Budapest.
“Our overseas Filipino workers contribute significantly to Hungary’s economy and society, and we thank the Hungarian government for its continued assistance,” he said.
Noting that Hungarian employers are very much satisfied with the high standard of work ethic of Filipino workers, Németh proposed the possible conduct of joint training exercises to expand cooperation in the field of labor.
Romualdez, meanwhile, thanked Hungary for supporting the Philippines’ bid for a seat in the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
As the incoming ASEAN chair, Romualdez stressed that the Philippines aims to promote inclusive and innovation-led growth, enhance food security, and pursue maritime cooperation.
He welcomed Hungary’s intent to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of regional partnerships. ||
