Xi Jinping says China-Hungary relations now at best in history

The China-Hungary relationship is now at its best in history, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in Budapest on Thursday.

The traditional friendship has taken deep roots in the hearts of the people, and cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful outcomes, Xi said during talks with Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok at the Sandor Palace in the Hungarian capital.

The bilateral relationship has stood the test of the changing international landscape and continued to grow in depth from a friendship across the continent to a friendly and cooperative partnership and then to a comprehensive strategic partnership, he said.

The Chinese president expressed his readiness to foster a good working relationship and friendship with Sulyok, increase exchanges and communication on matters of mutual interest, and jointly promote the high-level development of bilateral relations.

Noting that Hungary was one of the first countries to recognize New China in 1949, Xi said since the establishment of their diplomatic ties, China and Hungary have always respected each other, treated each other as equals and pursued mutual benefit.

Xi is on a state visit to Hungary, the third and final leg of his tour to Europe this week.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary.

Neither targeting nor dictated by any third party

During the talks, Xi stressed that the two countries should continue to treat each other as equals, follow a development path that suits each country's national conditions and take the future in one's own hands.

The China-Hungary friendship through the generations does not target any third party, nor should it be dictated by any third party, he said.

Xi said the two countries should adhere to mutual trust and assistance and always understand and firmly support each other in safeguarding their sovereignty, security and development interests.

China and Hungary should also adhere to win-win cooperation, he said, adding that they should uphold fairness and justice and stand on the right side of history.

Greater synergy urged

China stands ready to promote greater synergy between Chinese modernization and Hungary's Eastern Opening strategy, Xi said on Thursday.

The Chinese side welcomes Hungary to board the "express train" of Chinese modernization, Xi said.

He said China is willing to work with Hungary to continuously lead Belt and Road cooperation and cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries in the right direction, and deepen and substantiate bilateral cooperation.

It is hoped that Hungary will take the opportunity of assuming the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of the year to promote the stable and sound development of China-EU relations, said Xi.

China-proposed initiatives hailed

During talks with the Chinese president, Sulyok spoke highly of the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi.

Sulyok said the initiatives advocate strengthening international dialogue and cooperation, which is crucial to solving various challenges facing the world today and preventing bloc confrontation.

It is Hungary's established policy to strengthen cooperation with China, he said.

The Hungarian side is looking forward to conducting closer contact with China, strengthening the synergy of development strategies and promoting key cooperation projects, such as the Hungary-Serbia Railway, to bring more benefits to the people, he said.

Sulyok expressed belief that the Chinese president's historic visit will elevate the Hungary-China comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level.

(With input from Xinhua)