Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban hailed the friendship and trust between his country and China over the past seven decades during a meeting with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Budapest on Friday. 

Hungary is the last stop of Wang's week-long Europe tour that began on July 7. He previously visited Poland and Slovakia. 

Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Orban said Hungary appreciates the preciousness and importance of their friendship and trust. 

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Hungary and China are genuine strategic partners with solid political mutual trust, he said, underscoring their efforts to co-build the Belt and Road and the steady progress made in the Hungary-Serbia railway project. 

He added that Hungary is willing to work to China to further improve bilateral ties, cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) as well as China-Europe relations. 

Wang said China and Hungary have been showing respect, support and trust to each other since they forged diplomatic ties 70 years ago. 

Hailing Hungary a country that follows principles and keeps its words, he said Budapest is becoming an increasingly important force in regional and international affairs. 

In a world full of challenges, Wang called on the two countries to continue to firmly support each other on issues of their core interests and major concerns and expand cooperation in various fields. He also stressed the importance of co-building the Belt and Road in this process. 

China is willing to strengthen communication and collaboration with Hungary in China-CEEC cooperation, China-Europe relations and multilateral affairs, and jointly safeguard fairness, justice, peace and development in the world, he told Orban.