Minister: Hungary owes gratitude to China
Hungary’s economy has “profited immensely” from the comprehensive strategic cooperation the country has developed with China over the past years, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said after meeting Wang Yi, the director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party, in Budapest on Monday.
At the beginning of the meeting, Szijjártó noted that he was meeting Wang, a “friend”, for the 15th time which the foreign minister said had greatly helped building the strategic cooperation, according to a statement by the ministry.
Szijjártó said that cooperation with China had been “absolutely indispensable” for Hungary in emerging from the crises it had faced stronger than when it had entered them, noting the possibility of purchasing vaccines and medical equipment from China when “the whole of Europe had been waiting for vaccines”. This helped Hungary to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, he said.
He said that amid the current economic crisis “Hungary has managed to maintain GDP growth despite the difficulties”. “Hungary is a forerunner in the transformation of the car industry which plays a key role in the economic transformation of Europe,” said Szijjártó, attributing a substantial role to increasing Chinese investments in that process. “We announced the largest ever Chinese investment in Hungary last year, a black year for the global economy,” he said.
Wang said that bilateral relations were faring well despite the two countries’ geographical distance. Those relations are built on mutual trust and respect, he said, adding that the two countries mutually support one another “in resolving difficulties”. “Relations between the two countries’ leaders are also extremely good which greatly contribute to strengthening ties.”
Beijing greatly appreciates the Hungarian government’s “China-friendly policy” and support for certain matters in international forums, Wang said. China is also prepared to offer support for Hungary’s sovereignty, security and development, he added.
After a joint plenary meeting, Szijjártó told a joint press conference that Hungary and China were both pro-peace regarding the war in Ukraine, and ready to cooperate with “other peace-loving nations” to find diplomatic solutions to the conflict.
Hungary, a neighbouring country, has felt the fallout of the war especially strongly, also through the loss of Hungarian lives, Szijjártó said. Saving lives is only possible through an immediate ceasefire and peace talks, he said. “We are happy to see that China is also on the side of peace and peaceful solutions. Every day spent in war brings much trouble for Hungary, Europe… and the world,” he added.
Wang also highlighted the importance of peace and lamented the “chaos and unrest in the world” and multiple wars in various regions. He also called for peace talks and diplomatic solutions to find an “acceptable and sustainable solution for all parties”.
Wang welcomed that Hungary and China agreed on many issues and said China would like to further strengthen cooperation with Hungary and the European Union “to improve the quality of life”.
He praised Hungary’s participation in China’s Belt and Road initiative, noting the revamping of the Budapest-Belgrade railway line in that framework. The friendly cooperation with Hungary will continue, and China will support Hungary in “finding the road to progress that’s most suited to its abilities,” he said.
Source: MTI