The Embassy of the Czech Republic launched the book on Czech-Philippine cultural and diplomatic relations—the first of its kind about the rich cultural and historical heritage shared between the two countries—on 17 May at the Czech ambassador’s residence in Makati.

The launch was graced by senior government officials, ambassadors, diplomats and partners.

Ambassador Jana Šedivá said the book “invites us to relive the shared history between the Czech Republic and the Philippines and imagine our common future.”

Kaibigan-Přátelé: Czech-Philippine Cultural and Diplomatic Dialogue is a collaboration among Czech and Filipino writers and scholars who wrote extensively on Czech-Philippine relations.

It was co-edited by Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, historian and professor at Ateneo de Manila University; Ige Ramos, award-winning book designer; and Dalibor Mička, deputy head of mission of the Embassy of the Czech Republic.

Ocampo hopes that Czechs and Filipinos “will remember and celebrate their [historic friendship]”, one that started from the arrival of Jesuit missionary and taxonomist Georg Josef Kamel to the lifelong friendship between Ferdinand Blumentritt and Jose Rizal, that is, today, further cultivated and reflected in strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The launch coincided with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in October this year.