China, Hungary hold cultural exchange activity in Budapest

China Media Group (CMG), together with the Media Service Support and Asset Management Fund (MTVA) of Hungary, held a cultural exchange activity in Budapest on Wednesday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Hungary.

Several projects, including the broadcasting of CMG's programs in Hungary, co-production of documentaries and CMG's cooperation with the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, were launched at the activity.

Former Hungarian President Pal Schmitt said at the activity that over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, mutual trust, mutual support and friendly cooperation have continuously deepened.

He said that as a Hungarian member of the International Olympic Committee and a former Olympic champion, he is particularly pleased to see that China, besides achieving remarkable results in culture, science, economy and other fields, is also increasingly influential in sports.

Schmitt said that the activity serves as a model for cooperation between media outlets from Hungary and China, adding that he's looking forward to CMG contributing more positive factors to deepen and broaden the extensive friendly relationship between the two countries, further narrow the distance between the people of the two countries, and promote continuous new developments in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Former Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy said in a video message that during his time in office, the country collaborated with China, solidly advanced cooperation in various fields and achieved commendable results.

Medgyessy mentioned the fruitful achievements made in education and exchanges among young people.

He said that in recent years, the relationships between the two countries have achieved unprecedented development and he is glad to see continued in-depth exchanges between the two sides.

Medgyessy said that the media serves as the chronicler of our times, adding that the cooperation between the media of China and Hungary will continuously foster mutual understanding between the people of the two countries, propelling bilateral relations to new heights.

Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president of CMG, said that in recent years, cultural exchanges between China and Hungary have been rich and diverse, deepening mutual understanding and friendship between people of the two countries, especially among the younger generations.

He said that CMG is committed to promoting mutual understanding between the Chinese and Hungarian people, and has conducted extensive and in-depth cooperation with MTVA and Hungarian media counterparts to further provide a broader stage for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Daniel Papp, chief executive of MTVA, said at the activity that by working together with CMG, Hungarian audiences will be able to see high-quality documentaries produced by the fund and CMG on Hungarian national public service media platforms.

Papp said that in-depth cooperation between the fund and CMG will build a bridge of friendship between people of the two countries, and they look forward to the continued expansion of communication platforms and channels in the future, contributing media power to the promotion of cultural exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations between Hungary and China.

Boglarka Illes, state secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, said at the activity that Hungary and China enjoy a solid foundation for friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation.

She said that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the relationship between the two countries has been moving to a higher level, and bilateral trade and investment have been booming, bringing tangible benefits to people of the two countries.

Illes emphasized that cultural exchanges are an important force for consolidating the public support of the two countries and promoting the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations.

She added that the two countries have achieved fruitful results in cultural exchanges, and expressed hope that the two countries will continue tapping potential on the existing good foundation and expand cooperation with China in political, economic, cultural and other fields.