Wang Yi Holds Video Meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto of Hungary

On December 13, 2022, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a video meeting with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto. They also signed an agreement on the establishment of an intergovernmental Belt and Road cooperation committee between the two countries.

Noting that the international situation is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, Wang Yi said that the sustained, sound and steady development of China-Hungary relations serves the common interests of the two peoples, and is conducive to the steady and long-term development of China-EU relations. Stressing that Hungary was the first European country to sign the Belt and Road cooperation document with China, Wang Yi said the new agreement they signed on the day will provide a new platform for and bring new momentum to the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between the two sides.

Wang Yi said that China has always supported European integration, and backed EU countries' efforts to strengthen solidarity and cooperation and enhance strategic autonomy. He expressed the hope that the EU and its member states will view China's development and revitalization from an objective and friendly perspective, just as Hungary does, maintain friendly cooperation with China as the mainstay of China-EU relations, and properly handle problems and disagreements in the relationship. Wang Yi stressed that China and the EU have always been partners, not rivals, and expressed the confidence that Hungary will continue to play a constructive role in promoting China-EU relations.

Wang Yi noted that the cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC), which features mutual needs and complementary advantages, has achieved important outcomes and contributed to the overall development of China-EU relations. China is ready to work with Hungary and other CEEC countries to sum up experience, build up consensus, and create broader prospects for cooperation.

Szijjarto extended congratulations on the success of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, saying that the congress has drawn up a blueprint for the future development of China, and will surely give a strong boost to the Hungary-China relationship and elevate it to new heights. Hungary attaches great importance to developing relations with China and thanks China for its strong support for Hungary's economic and social development over the years. Hungary always sees China as a partner, not a rival, and hopes to work with China to enhance mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation in various fields. He noted that Hungary will continue playing an active role in promoting Europe-China and CEEC-China cooperation.