In a significant move to strengthen bilateral relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on Thursday the establishment of an “all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era” between China and Hungary. The joint statement signifies a deepening of cooperation between the two nations, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing strategic alignment and expanding mutual interests. Both sides agreed to utilize bilateral and multilateral platforms to facilitate regular meetings between their leaders, thereby providing strategic guidance for future collaborations. China and Hungary acknowledged the fruitful results of their cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), highlighting its positive impact on economic development and improving the livelihoods of their peoples. The countries pledged to further synergize the BRI with Hungary’s “Eastern Opening” policy, aiming to foster greater economic connectivity and development. A key focus of the partnership is the advancement of the Hungarian section of the Hungary-Serbia Railway, a landmark project under the BRI framework. The two nations intend to promote high-level connectivity in Central and Eastern Europe through this initiative, enhancing trade and transportation links across the region. Moreover, China and Hungary expressed their willingness to support the ongoing development of the China-Europe Land-Sea Express Line. This commitment is expected to bolster connectivity and trade between the two countries, facilitating more efficient movement of goods and services. Agricultural cooperation emerged as another critical area of mutual interest. The two sides agreed to leverage mechanisms like the China-Hungary high-level working group on agriculture to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties between their agricultural enterprises. They aim to widen market access, promote “small and beautiful” projects, and collaborate on areas such as animal health and advanced processing technologies for agricultural products. Reaffirming their dedication to global security and peace, China and Hungary vowed to jointly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core. They expressed a shared commitment to the international order underpinned by international law and the principles of the UN Charter, striving for a just and more equitable international framework. This elevated partnership marks a new chapter in China-Hungary relations, promising enhanced collaboration and mutual growth in various sectors, including infrastructure, trade, agriculture, and international diplomacy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
