Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Beijing on Wednesday, marking a significant step in strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
This year celebrates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Hungary. Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that bilateral relations are now facing important new opportunities.
“China is committed to maintaining close contact with Hungary,” Wang stated. “We aim to implement the important consensus reached by our heads of state, carry forward our traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust, and advance cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.”
Wang expressed appreciation for Hungary’s determination to deepen cooperation with China despite external pressures. He noted that the fruitful and mutually beneficial collaboration between the two countries demonstrates that China is an opportunity rather than a challenge, and a partner rather than an adversary to Europe.
With Hungary set to assume the rotating presidency of the European Union in the second half of this year, Wang expressed hope that Hungary would encourage the EU to view China’s development in a rational and friendly manner, and to pursue a more positive and pragmatic policy toward China.
Foreign Minister Szijjarto affirmed Hungary’s stance against decoupling from China. “Viewing China as a threat means missing out on opportunities,” he said. “Treating China as a partner is the right choice.”
He welcomed increased Chinese investment in Hungary and expressed willingness to advance key projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, further deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
