Hungarian Member of Parliament Zsolt Németh (left), House Speaker Martin Romualdez (PPAB)

Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 15 the delegation of the Hungarian Member of Parliament at the House of Representatives in Batasan, Quezon City, wherein they discussed initiatives aimed at building closer political and interparliamentary ties. 

The visitors were led by Zsolt Németh, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Hungary’s National Assembly.

Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district congressman, 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 the 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, as 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 former Philippine 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,” Romualdez added.

Németh in response: “We look forward to the formation of this group."

Speaker Romualdez highlighted Hungary’s position as the Philippines’ 14th largest trading partner among European Union (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 (FTA).

Assuring the Speaker of Hungary’s continuing support for the Philippines, Németh expressed optimism the PH-EU FTA could be finalized this year.