In Beijing on Thursday Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met President of China Xi Jinping. In an article published on Friday, the English-language Chinese newspaper China Daily reported that Mr. Orbán said that Hungary is ready to promote the development of Europe-China relations as a whole through cooperation between China and the countries of the Central and Eastern European region.
Mr. Orbán is in the Chinese capital to conduct bilateral talks and attend the second international forum on the Belt and Road Initiative. China Daily stated that at the meeting he confirmed that the initiative enjoys Hungary’s firm support, as he sees it as an opportunity rather than a threat.
The Prime Minister also said that his government and the Hungarian people nurture an extraordinary friendship with China, and they welcome investment from the country. He further stated that he is optimistic about Chinese high-tech development.
The article also quoted Xi Jinping, who believes that China and Hungary should cooperate within the Belt and Road Initiative – specifically mentioning the Hungary-Serbia railway modernisation project – and must strive for outcomes which are as tangible as possible.
The President noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and China looks forward to working with Hungary to raise the comprehensive bilateral strategic partnership to a new level.
According to the newspaper, the President added that it is important for both countries to bolster pragmatic cooperation in order to arrive at mutually beneficial outcomes.