The bilateral ties between the Philippines and the Czech Republic is growing stronger and more robust as it has gone beyond the historical friendship forged between Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal and one of his closest confidants, Czech professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
In his toast remarks at the Prague Castle hosted by Prague President Petr Pavel and his wife First Lady Eva Pavlová Thursday night, President Marcos highlighted the strong relationship between the Philippines and the Czech Republic.
“The Czech Republic have found many, many parallels with the two countries that is built upon— well for the history, is the remarkable connections between the Czech Republic and the Philippines starting of course with, I think everyone is aware of the experience of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal here in Prague as he was mentored by his friend, Ferdinand Blumentritt,” President Marcos said.
President Marcos also emphasized the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties of the two countries. “The relationship between the Czech Republic and the Philippines, I believe from this point on, will not only continue but will grow stronger, and grow more robust, and this will be of course of mutual benefit to both our countries,” President Marcos said.
“The distance, physical distance between our two countries, especially after this trip seems to have faded away. And we now are – feel that we are close, that you are a good neighbor to the Philippines. And this can be – this visit can be regarded as a new beginning for our two countries and our relationship together,” he added.
President Marcos extended his gratitude to President Pavel and to the First Lady for the warm welcome. He said they have found “many, many parallels with the two countries that is built upon” the connections forged between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, which has been an important part of the national history of the two countries.
President Marcos will conclude today, Friday his three-day state visit to Czech Republic upon the invitation of President Pavel. PND
