The Embassy of Hungary opened its doors in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig last Tuesday, 28 March 2017, bridging a gap of more than 21 years since the closing of the Embassy back in 1995. The occasion of the official opening led by H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary will give an opportunity to take note of the dynamic developments of the bilateral relations of the two countries and to follow-up the event with a Hungary-Philippines Business Forum at the same venue.
“We have entered a new era of balanced relationship. In 1991 we opened our embassy here only to close it four years after. We see that as a mistake, after 22 years we want to make up and resume our relationship,” Szijjárto said.
The visit of H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó highlighted the growing importance of the Philippines and its potential for Hungary as a reliable partner in trade and investment, research and education, cultural and people to people exchanges. He also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts, and a courtesy call to President Rodrigo Duterte to discuss current issues of mutual concern and future avenues of cooperation.
To mark the event, the two countries inked four bilateral trade and cultural agreements, including the sending of 35 Filipino students to Budapest on a yearly basis.
The Hungarian official brought in eight traders from Budapest who are eager to invest in the Philippines. He said that six Filipino businessmen have also signified interest in investing in Hungary.
In 2016, Hungary ranked as the Philippines’ 40th trading partner. In 2015, the Philippines was Hungary’s 4th import supplier among the Asean Member States
The Embassy of Hungary in the Philippines is headed by H.E. Ambassador József Bencze, who previously served as Ambassador of Hungary to Skopje, Macedonia between 2011-2016 and Hungary’s National Chief of Police between 2007-2010. Ambassador Bencze presented his credentials to President Rodrigo Duterte on 6 December 2016.
While the Diplomatic section of the Embassy will become fully operational at the time of the official opening, the Consular section – responsible among others for the issuance of visas and the authentication of documents – will become operational during the month of April 2017.