Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said Hungary's economy has "profited immensely" from the comprehensive strategic cooperation the country has developed with China over the past years.
After talks with Wang Yi, the director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party, Minister Szijjártó said cooperation with China has been “absolutely indispensable” for Hungary in emerging stronger from the crises it has faced. He noted the possibility of purchasing vaccines and medical equipment from China when “the whole of Europe had been waiting for vaccines”. This helped Hungary save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, Minister Szijjártó said. He said that amid the current economic crisis, “Hungary has managed to maintain GDP growth despite the difficulties”. “Hungary is a forerunner in the transformation of the car industry which plays a key role in the economic transformation of Europe,” said Minister Szijjártó, attributing a substantial role to increasing Chinese investments in that process. “We announced the largest ever Chinese investment in Hungary last year, a black year for the global economy,” he said. Wang said bilateral ties were built on mutual trust and respect and were faring well despite the geographical distance between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Wang said Beijing greatly appreciates the Hungarian government’s “China-friendly policy” and support for certain matters in international forums. China is also prepared to offer support for Hungary’s sovereignty, security and development, Wang said. China and Hungary mutually support one another “in resolving difficulties”, he said. “Relations between the two countries’ leaders are also extremely good which greatly contributes to strengthening ties.”