PHL to boost ties with Hungary on culture, arts

The Philippines and Hungary on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation that is expected to further enhance bilateral ties between the two countries. (Photo: PTV/Facebook)

DAVAO CITY—The Philippines and Hungary on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation that is expected to further enhance bilateral ties between the two countries.

The MOU is between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) – Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and the Institute of Foreign Affairs and Trade (IFAT) of Hungary.

It was signed by Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Hungarian Foreign and Trade Minister Peter Szijjártó. The MOU signing was held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City.

The MOU serves as a framework for cooperation between the two institutions in a move to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Among the cooperative activities outlined in the agreement include exchange of experts and researchers, conduct of joint research programs, invitations to symposia, meetings, and conferences, as well as other modes of cooperation.

Likewise, Virgilio Almario, National Artist and chair of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines Ambassador József Bencze, signed the Cultural Cooperation Program for 2017 to 2018.

This was to fully implement the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation between Philippines and Hungary dated July 15, 1976.

The cultural cooperation program calls for exchanges between art/cultural professionals and organizations in both countries in the areas of creative and performing arts (i.e. literature, fine arts, music, dance, theater, cinema, publishing) museology, and archives, among other fields.

Szijjarto re-opened Tuesday the Hungarian Embassy in Manila.

The Philippines and Hungary officially established diplomatic relations on Sept. 28, 1973.