PH, Hungary step up bilateral ties
Published Oct 26, 2025 02:37 pm
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and Hungarian Speaker László Kövér shake hands during a meeting at Malacañang Palace on October 15, 2025. (Malacañang Photo)
The recent visit of Speaker László Kövér of the Hungarian National Assembly led to the strengthening of Hungary–Philippines relations as both countries renewed their commitment to work on their bilateral cooperation, humanitarian solidarity, and sustainable development.
Kövér was in Manila from Oct. 14 to 17, meeting President Marcos for a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace, attending the Hungarian National Day reception as guest of honor, meeting with Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and members of the Senate’s Philippines-Hungary Friendship Group, and traveling to Cebu for engagements with local leaders.
“This historic visit not only reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to humanitarian aid and sustainable development but also laid the groundwork for a dynamic and enduring partnership with the Philippines,” a statement from the Hungarian Embassy in Manila said.
“As bridges are built across continents, the spirit of solidarity and cooperation continues to flourish between Europe and Southeast Asia,” it added.
During his courtesy call with Marcos, the President thanked the Hungarian official for Hungary’s swift humanitarian assistance to the victims of the Cebu earthquake last month.
“To begin with, allow me to thank your government for the assistance that you have given to us for our earthquake victims,” he told Kövér.
On the other hand, his meeting with Sotto also marked “a pivotal step in enhancing inter-parliamentary collaboration.”
“Both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening ties in trade, education, cultural exchange, and people-to-people relations,” the embassy said.
“The visit also reflected shared aspirations for stronger engagement with the European Union, positioning the Philippines as a strategic partner in Southeast Asia,” it added.
Speaker László Kövér and Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines Titanilla Toth with Senators Tito Sotto III and Juan Miguel Zubiri (Photo from the Embassy of Hungary in Manila)
The donation of P2.6 million to communities in northern Cebu was pooled by the Hungarian National Assembly, Hungary Helps, and the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and was channelled through Cebu Caritas Inc.
This was Hungary’s second humanitarian gesture to Cebu, following its support for the restoration of Sibonga Church after Supertyphoon Odette in 2021.
In personally visiting Cebu, the Speaker also paid a courtesy call to Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, praising her for the proactive stance she has taken on food security.
“If you can solve it [hunger], there is no other issue that you can't solve,” the official said.
Aside from the humanitarian assistance that Hungary provided, the two officials also discussed Cebu’s thriving tourism sector and potential areas for collaboration in trade and investment.
The Philippines and Hungary established formal diplomatic relations on September 28, 1973.
Some 11,200 Filipinos work in Hungary, contributing to the growing people-to-people ties that enrich both societies.