Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala took pride in being the first European prime minister to visit the Philippines under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala signs the official guest book of Malacañang during his official visit in the Philippines. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)
“I’m very pleased to be the first head of government from Europe who is visiting the Philippines since your election,” he said on Monday, April 17, after his bilateral meeting with the President in Malacañang.
And although the two countries are celebrating only the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, Fiala claimed that “our connection is much longer.”
In fact, the Prime Minister revealed that the country’s national hero Dr. Jose Rizal were longtime friends with Czech Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, a known associate of Rizal who he had collaborated with in some of his works.
Blumentritt was also an advocate of Philippine freedom and had voiced out his support for the country’s independence through his works.
Fiala also shared that soldiers from both sides “defended Manila side-by-side during the Second World War.”
“And I’m proud that the Czech people (help) the Philippines win their freedom,” the Prime Minister added.
Fiala is currently in Manila for a two-day visit until Tuesday, April 18, to boost the bilateral ties between the two countries.
He noted that Manila is a “close partner” of the European Union (EU) and the Czech Republic.
“ASEAN and the EU are natural allies. I am glad that we are working together and our cooperation is stronger than ever,” the Prime Minister said.
Since the Philippines is the starting point of his 10-day Asian tour, Fiala stressed how this “shows that your country and your region are very important for the Czech Republic.”
Marcos welcomed Fiala upon his arrival at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang, where he was accorded with arrival honors.
The Chief Executive then accompanied the Prime Minister for the signing of the guest book before the bilateral meeting with their respective delegations.
Philippine Cabinet members, along with Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, are present for the welcoming ceremony for Fiala.
Also in attendance were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Eduardo Manalo, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil, National Security Council (NSC) Secretary Eduardo Año, Special Adviser to the President Antonio Lagdameo, Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez, and Philippine Ambassador to Czech Republic Eduardo Martin Meñez.