In late July, Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, embarked on a four-day goodwill visit to Budapest that highlighted the depth and dynamism of China-Hungary relations. Through high-level meetings and strategic discussions, both sides underscored a shared commitment to mutual respect, trust and benefit.
Zhao met with President Tamas Sulyok to convey China's President Xi Jinping's warm greetings and reflect on Xi's May 2024 state visit, which elevated ties to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era. Sulyok praised Hungary's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and hailed the Hungary-Serbia Railway as a flagship collaboration.
In talks with Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Zhao noted that China-Hungary relations are at their best in history. He affirmed China's support for Hungary's Eastern Opening strategy and welcomed more high-quality Hungarian agricultural and food exports, alongside stronger policy support for Chinese enterprises in Hungary.
With Laszlo Kover, Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, Zhao explored ways to align legislative frameworks and deepen coordination in multilateral forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Both sides committed to timely legal measures that facilitate bilateral cooperation.
Looking ahead, China and Hungary plan to:
- Advance the Hungary-Serbia Railway with top-quality standards
- Collaborate on green energy, artificial intelligence and the digital economy
- Expand culture, media and youth exchange programs
- Strengthen China-Central and Eastern Europe partnerships in the context of the China-EU 50th anniversary
Zhao's Budapest mission underscores how infrastructure, innovation and people-to-people ties can power a win-win partnership with real-world impact for global citizens.
Reference(s):
China's top legislator hails win-win cooperation with Hungary
cgtn.com
