Wang Yi speaks with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on the phone

On November 20, 2020, State Councilor Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto at the latter's request.

Wang Yi said that China and Hungary have maintained a sound momentum in developing their bilateral relations. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, the two sides have continuously consolidated mutual trust and advanced cooperation in various fields steadily. The economic and trade exchanges are growing against the trend, showing strong resilience and broader space for cooperation. Cargo flights between China's Zhengzhou and the Hungarian capital Budapest have opened an efficient and convenient "air corridor" between the two sides, and proactive progress has been made in such landmark cooperation projects as the Hungary-Serbia Railway. China supports Chinese companies in investing and doing business in Hungary, supports Chinese companies in carrying out cooperation on COVID-19 vaccines research and development with Hungary in accordance with the law and regulations, and will continue to facilitate Hungary's purchase of anti-pandemic materials in China.

Wang Yi said that amid the pandemic, the China-CEEC (17+1) cooperation mechanism has played a positive role in the joint fight against COVID-19, demonstrating the endogenous driving force of the mechanism and the needs of all relevant countries. Hungary is an important participant in the "17+1" cooperation and China is ready to work with CEEC, including Hungary to carry out exchanges and cooperation in various fields in a flexible manner.

Wang Yi said that as the international situation enters a period of turbulent change, China and Hungary should strengthen strategic communication and coordination, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the two countries and contribute to world peace and stability. He expects that Hungary will continue to play a positive role in maintaining and promoting China-Europe relations.

Szijjarto highly appreciated the important achievements made through anti-pandemic cooperation between the two countries and hopes that China will continue to support and facilitate Hungary's purchase of anti-pandemic drugs and vaccines in China. Szijjarto said that it is in Hungary's interest to develop relations with China and promote friendship between Europe and China. Hungary opposes interference by external forces in China's internal affairs, will continue to push forward Hungary-China relations on the basis of mutual respect and is willing to play a positive role in promoting the healthy development of Europe-China relations. Hungary welcomes China to expand investment and will never adopt discriminatory policies against Chinese companies. Hungary will always be a strong supporter of the "17+1" cooperation mechanism.