Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala arrived in Manila on Sunday evening, April 16, for a two-day visit where he and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. are expected to discuss issues of mutual interest, as well as prepare to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic this October.
Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala (left) arrives at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Sunday night, April 16, 2023. (ALFRED FRIAS/PNA)
The two sides are expected to discuss defense cooperation, trade and investment, university linkages, judicial cooperation, and labor cooperation.
They are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of common concern as the leaders mark an important milestone in the Czech Republic’s diplomatic relations with the Philippines.
Fiala will be in Manila from April 16 to 18, Sunday to Tuesday.
“The goal of the trip, on which I’m accompanied by a large business delegation from the Chamber of Commerce and a number of other entrepreneurs, is to improve and develop relations with countries in this region and support Czech companies on local markets,” Fiala said on his social media accounts on Sunday.
“Support from the state is important for Czech companies everywhere in the world. However, the Indo-Pacific and Central Asia are also important for the Czech Republic for other strategic reasons,” he added.
He noted that his country will “succeed in supporting not only bilateral, but mainly business relations” with its intensive program.
Military honors were accorded to the visiting prime minister upon his arrival at the Villamor Airbase, Pasay City. He was welcomed by Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.
(From left) Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Photo by ALFRED FRIAS/PNA)
On Monday, April 17, the prime minister would also receive arrival honors at the Kalayaan Grounds of Malacañang Palace before the signing of the guestbook at the Reception Hall.
He would hold a close-door meeting with Marcos at the Music Room before the Philippine-Czech Republic bilateral meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room.
Afterwards, Marcos and Fiala would sign an agreement and hold a joint press briefing at the President’s Hall.
This would be followed by a photo opportunity at the Reception Hall and the official dinner hosted by the President at the Ceremonial Hall.
During the official dinner, there would be a book launching of “Kaibigan – Pratele: Czech-Philippine Cultural and Diplomatic Dialogue.”
The two leaders would also deliver a speech.
On Tuesday, April 18, the prime minister would pay honor to Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal via a wreath-laying ceremony before he leaves on the same day.