Wang Yi Meets with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto

On February 20, 2023 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto in Budapest.

Noting that Hungary is a good friend of China in Europe, Wang Yi said the two sides respect, trust and support each other and have forged a profound friendship. China will firmly pursue a friendly policy toward Hungary and will support Hungary's domestic and foreign policies in line with the fundamental interests of its people. China is ready to work with Hungary to implement the important common understandings of the leaders of the two countries, seize the opportunity brought by China's optimization of its pandemic prevention and control measure as well as its strong economic recovery, give play to the two countries' own advantages, work for new progress in cooperation on infrastructure, investment, trade and tourism, and elevate the Belt and Road cooperation to a new level. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. China and Europe have never been rivals, and our common interests far outweigh our differences. China's cooperation with Hungary, with the Central and Eastern European countries, and with Europe at large can surely carry out positive interactions and open up new room for development. Facing up to the changes and turmoil in the world, China and Hungary should jointly practice multilateralism, uphold the basic norms governing international relations, oppose unilateralism and hegemonism, to bring more stability to the world.

Szijjarto expressed that Hungary-China cooperation plays an important part in Hungary's foreign relations. Hungary is grateful for China’s heartfelt support in political, economic, anti-pandemic and other areas. Hungary-China cooperation has brought tangible benefits to Hungary and has been well received by the Hungarian people. Hungary will  firmly advance friendly cooperation with China, participate in high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and speed up the construction of the Hungary-Serbia railway. Thanks to China for having included Hungary among the first destinations for outbound group travels, and look forward to further strengthening cooperation with China in areas such as economy and trade, mutual investment and agriculture.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine issue. Wang Yi stressed that China will work with Hungary and all other peace-loving countries to make efforts for an early ceasefire and lasting peace. Szijjarto highly appreciated China's objective and impartial position on the Ukraine issue as well as its active efforts to promote peace talks.