House Speaker László Kövér arrived in China earlier this week for an official visit, at the invitation of Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
Kövér told his host at their meeting that cooperation between Hungary and the People's Republic of China always had been characterised by friendship and mutual respect.
He added that Hungary-China bilateral relations had developed "spectacularly" in recent years. In addition to the long-standing friendship, this was greatly helped by the Hungarian government announcing its opening to the East policy in 2010 and the Belt and Road Initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. Xi's visit to Hungary this spring opened a new chapter in Hungary-China relations, establishing a full strategic partnership expanding to all areas, he added.
Kövér and Zhao were in agreement at the meeting that the two countries were one another's partners and at the same time offered each other an opportunity for further development. Zhao expressed hope that the cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe would serve as an example and give impetus to the development of China-EU relations. Kover said that Hungary was making every effort to promote this endeavour during its European Union presidency.
In addition to high-level government meetings, contacts between Hungary's Parliament and China's highest legislative body have be intensifying.
He added that Hungary was glad to recall that 75 years ago it was among the first countries to recognise the establishment of the People's Republic of China.
He cited Kover stating that Hungary was a dedicated supporter of the One China principle, respected China's territorial sovereignty, and appreciated China's efforts to reduce international conflicts.
Zhao said China supported Hungary's peace mission, its observer participation in the Friends of Peace platform, and appreciated Hungary's active role in international diplomacy to promote the urgent start of peace talks in the Russia-Ukraine war and to bring the war to an end.