Beijing, Budapest upgrade partnership

President Xi Jinping and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban jointly meet the media on Thursday in Budapest. FENG YONGBIN / CHINA DAILY

China and Hungary elevated bilateral ties to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era as the two nations pledged to deepen cooperation in sectors including infrastructure development, artificial intelligence and nuclear energy.

President Xi Jinping and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made the announcement about the elevation of bilateral ties while meeting journalists on Thursday at the Prime Minister's Office in Budapest.

"From this new starting point, we will do what we can to bring the bilateral relationship and pragmatic cooperation onto a golden voyage toward greater goals," Xi told reporters. "This will enable us to inject strong impetus into the development and prosperity of our two countries. China wishes to enjoy common development and prosperity with Hungary. I believe that with joint efforts from both sides, we will embrace a brighter future."

The trip to Budapest, the last stop in Xi's six-day visit to Europe, came as the two nations celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year.

China is Hungary's largest trading partner outside of Europe, and Hungary is one of China's most important trading partners in the Central and Eastern European region.

To build up political mutual trust, Xi said that the two nations will maintain the momentum of close high-level interactions, strengthen dialogue and exchanges between the two governments, legislatures, and political parties, share governance experience and firmly support each other's core interests.

The Chinese president said Beijing and Budapest agree that the Belt and Road Initiative is highly compatible with Hungary's Eastern Opening policy.

"We will connect our development strategies more closely, deepen economic, trade, investment and financial cooperation, and advance the Budapest-Belgrade railway and other key projects," he said.

To enhance public support for bilateral ties, the two nations will continue to support the teaching of each other's language, make good use of their respective cultural centers, strengthen sports, media and subnational exchanges and cooperation, Xi said.

"We will further improve our respective exit and entry policies, enhance direct flight linkages and create more favorable conditions for more people-to-people exchanges," he said.

China and Hungary will also work together to expand the scope, broaden the coverage, and raise the levels of China's cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries, he said.

As for ties between China and the European Union, the Chinese president said that China values its comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU, and views Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world and also as a key partner in China's bid to advance Chinese modernization.

"China supports Hungary in playing a bigger role in the EU and promoting greater progress in China-EU relations," he said.

Xi told Orban during their talks on Thursday that Chinese modernization will surely deliver more opportunities to countries worldwide, including Hungary, and that the nation welcomes Hungary to join hands with China in its modernization process.

Orban said during the meeting with Xi that the success of China-Hungary relations proves that countries large and small can respect each other and cooperate for mutual benefit.

He said BRI cooperation between China and Hungary has been a great success, creating jobs and improving people's livelihoods in Hungary. Hungary hopes to continue cooperating with China on large infrastructure projects under the BRI framework, and strengthen cooperation in trade, new energy, and other fields, Orban said, adding that his government welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in Hungary.

Orban rejected rhetoric about China's "overcapacity" or attempts for "de-risking", saying that Hungary is committed to deepening cooperation with China, undeterred by any external influences.

China's development is an opportunity, not a risk, for Europe, he stressed.

The Hungarian leader insisted that his country is eager to strengthen multilateral communication and collaboration with China to jointly maintain world peace and stability.

As the holder of the EU's rotating presidency in the latter half of the year, Hungary is willing to work positively for the healthy development of EU-China relations and for cooperation between Central and Eastern European countries and China, he added.