Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez engages in a cordial conversation with the delegation of Hungarian lawmakers, led by Mr. Zsolt Nemeth, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Hungarian National Assembly, during their courtesy call at the House of Representatives Wednesday afternoon (Jan. 15, 2025). They explored avenues to further bolster not only inter-parliamentary relations but also the bilateral diplomatic, economic and trade cooperation for the mutual benefit of Philippines and Hungary.
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday welcomed the delegation of Hungarian Parliament, led by 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,” said Speaker Romualdez.
Speaker Romualdez 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. Speaker Romualdez acknowledged the efforts of Hungarian Deputy Speaker Istvan Jakab, who visited Manila in 2021, and former Philippine Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who led delegations to Hungary in 2019 and 2023.
To further strengthen relations, Speaker 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 Chairman Németh in response.
Speaker 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 recent Philippines-Hungary business forum held during the 6th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation in December 2023 is a testament to our growing economic ties,” Romualdez said.
He expressed appreciation for Hungary’s support for the ongoing negotiations for the PH-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Assuring the Speaker of Hungary’s continuing support for the Philippines, Chairman Németh expressed optimism the PH-EU FTA could be finalized this year.
With approximately 11,600 Filipinos living and working in Hungary, Speaker 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 Hungarian employers are very much satisfied with the high standard of work ethic of Filipino workers, Chairman Németh proposed the possible conduct of joint training exercises to expand cooperation in the field of labor.
Meanwhile, Speaker Romualdez thanked Hungary for supporting the Philippines’ bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
As the incoming ASEAN Chair in 2025, Speaker 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.
Speaker Romualdez thanked Chairman Németh for his visit and his unwavering commitment to strengthening the partnership between the Philippines and Hungary.
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