29 January 2004 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today said she looks forward to the visit to Manila of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, H.E. Cyril Svoboda, who is scheduled to arrive in Manila for an official visit on 31 January 2004.

Mr. Svoboda’s visit marks the first ever by a Czech Foreign Minister to the Philippines since the State Visit of Czech President Vaclav Havel in 1995.

It comes at the heels of the 30th anniversary celebration in November 2003 of Philippine-Czech bilateral relations.  The visit is also timely in the face of the Czech Republic's forthcoming accession into the European Union as a full-fledged member in May 2004.  Its accession gives it greater involvement and political importance in the community of nations.

Secretary Albert, whom Mr. Svoboda is scheduled to call on Monday, 02 February, said that her meeting with Czech Foreign Minister will be an opportunity to assess the present condition of Philippine-Czech relations and exchange views on its future course.

“Our discussions are expected to focus on strengthening trade and investment relations, exploring the potentials of cooperation specifically in the field of defense, and intensifying the unique cultural ties shared by the Philippines and the Czech Republic,” the Secretary said.

Improving trade relations is expected to be the highlight of the meeting.  Trade between the Philippines and the Czech Republic has generally been in favor of the Philippines and has been increasing in the past years.  In investment matters, emphasis will be on promoting more joint ventures, particularly in the fields of infrastructure, energy, sugar milling, machinery, environment and waste management.  These have earlier been identified as sectors where Philippine-Czech partnership would be most fruitful.

The Czech Republic’s most notable project in the Philippines is the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3.  The Czech company CKD Dopravni supplied the rail vehicles, and it is also responsible for their maintenance.  MRT 3 cost USD 655 million, and was undertaken through the government’s BLT (build-lease-transfer) scheme.

In the field of development cooperation, the Czech Government was involved in the installation of water treatment facilities in major water sources in Baguio City.  It is also set to finance the development of mini-hydro power plants, starting with one in the municipality of San Luis, Aurora.  Both projects were realized through a grant assistance totaling 46.0 million Czech crowns (approx. USD 1.5 million).  In addition, the Czech Government is looking into possible projects in the sugar mill sector.

A possible partnership in the field of defense will also be discussed during the meeting.  The Czech Republic's long industrial history in manufacturing high quality military equipment and its expertise in defense and security matters present interesting prospects for defense cooperation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic institutionalizing this partnership is presently being drafted.  Talks will also explore potential Czech participation in the modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Philippines' foremost cultural link with the Czech Republic is the shared devotion to the image of the Christ Child.  Many Filipinos flock to the Czech Republic to venerate the Sto. Niño de Praga, a replica of which has been installed at the EDSA Shrine Chapel.  Prague has also hosted performances of several Philippine cultural groups in recent years, such as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the Loboc Children's Choir.  The two countries also honored the friendship of Ferdinand Blumentritt and Dr. Jose Rizal by naming Litomerice in the Czech Republic, where Dr. Blumentritt resided, and Calamba, Dr. Rizal's hometown, as sister cities.

During his visit, Mr. Svoboda will also pay homage to seven Czechoslovakian soldiers who fought and died in Tarlac, Cabanatuan and Subic alongside Filipino and American fighters during World War II.  Simple memorial rites will be held for this purpose at the Sto. Niño de Praga Chapel at the EDSA shrine on Sunday, 01 February.  The installation of a memorial marker for the Czechoslovakian soldiers at the Capas Memorial Shrine is being planned.

In addition to calling on the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, H.E. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will also receive Mr. Svoboda in Malacañang.  He is also expected to meet with Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita to discuss more extensively the potentials for cooperation in defense, and with Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza to explore future partnerships in transportation infrastructure. - END