Czech envoy cherishes friendship with PH

By Monsi A. Serrano

Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Karel Hejč has underscored the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Czechia, highlighting their shared values, historical experiences, and growing people-to-people connections as the foundation of stronger bilateral relations.

Speaking at the Czech National Day celebration in Manila, Ambassador Hejč expressed his appreciation for the friendship between the two countries, describing the Philippines as a friend and an important partner of Czechia not only in Southeast Asia but also on the global stage.

“Czechs and Filipinos not only share a deep respect for sovereignty and aspirations for a better future, they also have experienced transformative moments in history that demonstrated the strength of civic courage and the desire for freedom and independence,” Hejč said.

His message reflects a relationship that extends beyond formal diplomatic ties, with a history of friendship and intellectual exchange that dates back to the time of national hero Dr. José Rizal and Czech scholar Ferdinand Blumentritt.

A friendship rooted in history and shared values

The friendship between Rizal and Blumentritt remains one of the most enduring historical links between the Philippines and the Czech lands. Their correspondence and intellectual exchange developed into a close personal friendship, with Blumentritt becoming a strong supporter of Rizal and the Filipino people’s aspirations for freedom.

While Ambassador Hejč did not specifically mention Rizal and Blumentritt in his speech, their friendship provides a historical perspective on the longstanding connections between Filipinos and the Czech people, built on mutual respect, knowledge, and a shared appreciation of national identity.

The Czech envoy highlighted the founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918 as an important milestone, emphasizing that the occasion commemorates not merely the establishment of a state but, more importantly, the principles on which it was founded.

These include freedom, self-determination, democracy, and respect for human dignity.

H.E. Maria Andrelita S. Austria, Undersecretary for Economic and Cultural Diplomacy of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Czech Ambassador Karel Hejč, and Most Rev. Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, raise a toast during the Czech National Day reception in Manila. PHOTO BY MONSI A. SERRANO

He also cited the peaceful separation of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia 33 years ago as an example of how nations can pursue their own aspirations while remaining close friends through shared history and common values.

For Hejč, these experiences resonate with the Philippines, which has also undergone significant historical transformations in its pursuit of freedom and self-determination.

Filipinos as a living bridge between nations

The ambassador identified people-to-people connections as the “true building stone” of Philippine-Czech friendship, citing the growing number of Filipinos living, studying and working in Czechia.

He said Filipinos are enriching Czech communities through their talents, dedication and culture, while helping deepen mutual understanding between the two nations.

“They serve as a living bridge between our nations and help deepen mutual understanding and friendship,” Hejc said.

He also recognized the Czech community in the Philippines, expressing pride in its members and their contribution to strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

The growing presence of Filipinos in Czechia gives the bilateral relationship a strong human dimension, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, professional connections, and closer ties between families and communities.

Czech Ambassador Karel Hejč speaks during the Czech National Day celebration, highlighting the growing Filipino community in Czechia as a “living bridge” that strengthens understanding and friendship between the two nations. PHOTO BY MONSI A. SERRANO

Czechia sees Philippines as an important global partner

Hejc also reflected on Czechia’s transformation following its experience under the communist regime and its subsequent integration into the international community through its membership in NATO and the European Union.

He said Czechia’s experience with the European Union demonstrates how cooperation among sovereign nations can promote peace, prosperity, and resilience while preserving national identities and traditions.

This principle of cooperation, he emphasized, also guides Czechia’s engagement with partners beyond Europe.

“Therefore, the Czech Republic will continue to see the Philippines as a friend and an important partner not only in Southeast Asia, but also on the global stage,” Ambassador Hejč said.

He underscored the importance of friendship among nations at a time when international cooperation and mutual understanding remain essential to global peace and stability.

“As we commemorate the founding of Czechoslovakia tonight, the legacy reminds us that friendship among nations is one of the greatest sources of strength and stability in our world,” he said.

Ambassador Hejč concluded by expressing his sincere gratitude to Filipino friends for being part of Czechia’s journey, reaffirming the value he places on the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

From the historic intellectual bond between Rizal and Blumentritt to the growing Filipino community in Czechia today, the relationship between the Philippines and Czechia continues to be shaped by people, shared aspirations and mutual respect.