Wang Yi Speaks with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto on the Phone

On July 17, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto at the latter's request.

Szijjarto introduced the current situation in Europe and Hungary, especially the economic and financial challenges faced by Hungary due to the spillover of the Ukraine crisis. He said, Hungary is pleased with the outcomes of the cooperation between Hungary and China in various fields, especially the smooth progress in economic, trade and investment cooperation. Hungary is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with China to constantly elevate Hungary-China comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights. The Hungarian side welcomes investment by Chinese enterprises in Hungary, and will provide facilitation and a sound environment for them.

Wang Yi said, apart from seriously impacting Europe, the Ukraine crisis has produced a negative spillover effect spreading around the world. At the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held not long ago, all parties were deeply concerned about this, and China has put forward an initiative to cope with food and energy security. China is not a party to the Ukraine crisis, but we have not stood by, nor will we add fuel to the fire. We have always unswervingly and perseveringly promoted peace talks. All parties should seriously learn from the hard lessons of the Ukraine crisis. For the sake of long-term interests, all parties should explore building a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture to achieve lasting peace and security.

Wang Yi said, China cherishes the trust and friendship established with Hungary, and appreciates the fact that Hungary has consistently upheld justice in China-related affairs, understood China's legitimate propositions and supported China in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests. China is ready to work with Hungary to build China-Hungary relations into a model of state-to-state relations featuring greater maturity and mutual trust. China will continue to unswervingly pursue a friendly policy toward Hungary, and stay positive and open-minded about mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides. China supports Chinese enterprises in investing and doing business in Hungary, and hopes that Hungary will provide stable policy expectations and a sound business environment. China believes that Hungary will continue to uphold an objective and just position and push the European Union (EU) to adopt a positive and pragmatic policy toward China.

Szijjarto said, China has never been a rival of Europe but a partner that brings cooperation opportunities. Hungary will continue to dedicate itself to promoting EU-China cooperation that features mutual respect, fairness and mutual benefit.