Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has hailed cooperation between China and the 17 CEEC (Central and Eastern European Countries) members and vowed to shape the so-called "17+1 cooperation" mechanism into a model for international relations.

Wang made the remarks at a joint news conference on Friday with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Budapest, the last stop of the Chinese minister's visit to three CEECs – Poland, Slovakia and Hungary.

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Noting this year marks the 70th anniversary of China's establishment of diplomatic relations with the three countries, Wang praised the "good momentum" in China-CEEC ties, adding that 17+1 cooperation had brought tremendous benefits to all the participants.

He highlighted the bloc's commitment to equality, inclusiveness, innovation and mutual benefits.

Given the fact that China is going to host the 17+1 summit next year, Wang said that the Chinese government is ready to strengthen integration between the grouping and Belt and Road Initiative. He expected the cooperation will inject new impetus into bilateral relations within the bloc.

The minister added that he expected the push for a comprehensive strategic partnership between Hungary and China to be at the forefront of China-CEEC ties.

(Cover: The Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest, capital of Hungary, May 19, 2019. /Xinhua Photo)