Hungary may reopen diplomatic mission in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Hungary is planning to reopen its diplomatic mission in Manila with the improvement in the country’s financial situation.

“The Philippines is on top of the list but it depends on the budgetary situation of my country which is now improving so let us hope for the best,” Hungarian Foreign Minister János Martonyi told reporters yesterday.

The Hungarian embassy in Manila closed down in the 1990s because of budgetary constraints.

Hungary, according to Martonyi, has a strategy to open towards Asia “but the Philippines has a very special role to play here because it is a democratic country and a country which we have same values.”

“And for us this is very important this is a Christian nation and we’re very proud. This is one reason I believe we have every possibility now to develop cooperation,” he said.

Martonyi wrapped up his visit to Manila yesterday. He arrived Thursday for an official visit at the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

Martonyi’s visit is the first by a Hungarian foreign minister in the country.

Martonyi and Del Rosario previously met at the multilateral forum of Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

In a meeting at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday, Del Rosario urged the Hungarian official to look at trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines to strengthen bilateral ties and foster partnerships for cooperation in areas such as mobility of higher education, tourism and cultural promotion, and water management.

Martonyi congratulated Del Rosario for his leadership in steering the country’s foreign policy, including the defense of interests in the West Philippine Sea. 

He committed to further boost the long-standing relations between the two countries.

The Hungarian official offered his sympathies to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda and assured the Philippine government of continued support for its rehabilitation and recovery plan towards rebuilding the communities affected by the disaster.

“The Filipino nation is thankful to the Hungarian government as it was one of the first countries that offered assistance the day after the typhoon struck. Hungary is sending a water purification plant to Guiuan, Eastern Samar to benefit thousands of families in that town and nearby areas,” Del Rosario said.

The mobile water purification plant, capable of producing 100,000 liters daily, arrived yesterday.

With relations of the two countries firmly founded in mutual respect, Del Rosario and his counterpart committed to explore ways in advancing cooperation, noting the countries’ historical and cultural ties and common desire to develop concrete projects. 

The country’s recovery from the recent disaster was identified as the most urgent in pursuing bilateral cooperation.

Martonyi paid a courtesy call on Vice President Jejomar Binay, with whom he discussed specific forms of cooperation.

The meeting formed part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Hungary established in 1973. 

Activities were conducted in Manila and Budapest in celebration of the occasion. 

The Hungarian official met with DFA officials in a lunch hosted by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan Garcia where they discussed international issues of common interest to the Philippines and Hungary.

Philippine-Hungary relations have enjoyed active exchange of trade while investments remained very minimal.

The total trade between the two countries for 2012 is at $156.5 million and involved food, beverage, components, devices (semi-conductors), electronic data processing, pharmaceuticals, metal automotive parts, petrochemicals, intermediate and fabricated products.