Addressing a joint press conference with Li, Kövér said Hungary and China’s relationship was not only important for their nations, but also in terms of the two countries’ cooperation on responding to global challenges.

The speaker noted that the head of the NPC’s Standing Committee last visited Hungary twelve years ago. He also said China and Hungary established diplomatic relations 70 years ago, just a few days after the formation of the People’s Republic of China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have elevated the two countries’ ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Kövér noted.

He said economic ties were expanding dynamically, noting that China is Hungary’s top trading partner outside the European Union.

Li said the purpose of his visit was to deepen ties between China and Hungary. He underlined the importance of bilateral cooperation and coordination in international affairs, as well as the two countries supporting each other politically.

He said China aimed to facilitate free trade and was looking to cooperate with Hungary in ensuring sustainability and the fight against climate change.

At a conference marking 70 years of Sino-Hungarian diplomatic relations at Budapest’s National Public Service University on Thursday, Kövér said China was a key factor in efforts to achieve balance in world politics and economics in the 21st century.

He noted a series of events were being held in both countries to appraise the results and review the possibilities in bilateral relations.

China is Hungary’s largest trading partner outside Europe, with a significant share of foreign investments in Hungary, Kövér said.

In the field of culture and education, four Confucius Institutes are operating in Hungary and eleven universities offering Hungarian courses in China. Hungary also boasts the only Chinese bilingual high school in the region, he said.

Li Zhanshu praised the stable bilateral ties based on mutual respect. This year’s anniversary will give new momentum to an already strong economic and cultural cooperation, he said.

MTI Photo: Mohai Balázs