President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. launched on Monday the “KAIBIGAN-PŘATELÉ: Czech-Philippine Cultural and Diplomatic Dialogue,” which was timed with the official visit of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

The new book highlights the cultural and diplomatic exchanges between the Republic of the Philippines and the Czech Republic.

The book, which was launched in Malacañang, is a collaborative effort of various Filipino and Czech contributors and editors, under the initiative of Ambassador Jana Šedivá.

“I hope that all the work and effort poured into this publication makes it not only an informative tool for everyone who is interested in the rich history of cultural and diplomatic exchanges between our two countries, but that it serve also as a symbol of the friendship amongst our people,” President Marcos said in his speech during the launch.

“I believe that it is only fitting that the launching of the book happens during the visit of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala to Manila, so he can witness, as we continue to foster and strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and the Czech Republic,” the chief executive said.

President Marcos said while formal relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic were only established in 1973, the book documents the rich history of people-to-people and socio-cultural exchanges between the two countries as early as the 17th century.

The book covers events from the arrival of Jesuit missionary and taxonomist Georg Josef Kamel, from whom the camellia plant was named after, to the warm friendship between Jose Rizal and Ferdinand Blumentritt who was born in Prague, to the recollections of Czech diplomats and journalists who lived in Manila.

The book, President Marcos said, is proof that the Filipino and Czech people consider each other as přátelé or friends.

The Philippines and Czech Republic commemorate this year the 50th year anniversary of their bilateral relations. #