BEIJING: 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.
According to About Hungary, Kövér highlighted that Hungary-China bilateral relations had developed “spectacularly” in recent years. This growth in relations was attributed to Hungary’s opening to the East policy announced in 2010 and the Belt and Road Initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. Kövér also noted that Xi’s visit to Hungary earlier this year had opened a new chapter in Hungary-China relations, establishing a full strategic partnership that expanded to all areas.
During the meeting, both Kövér and Zhao agreed that the two countries were strategic partners, offering each other opportunities for further development. Zhao
expressed hope that cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe could serve as a model and give momentum to the development of China-EU relations. Kövér mentioned that Hungary was committed to promoting this endeavor during its European Union presidency.
The visit also included discussions on the increasing contacts between Hungary’s Parliament and China’s highest legislative body. Kövér recalled that Hungary was among the first countries to recognize the establishment of the People’s Republic of China 75 years ago. He reiterated Hungary’s support for the One China principle and respect for China’s territorial sovereignty, as well as appreciation for China’s efforts to reduce international conflicts.
Zhao acknowledged China’s support for Hungary’s peace mission and its observer participation in the Friends of Peace platform. He appreciated Hungary’s active role in international diplomacy, especially its efforts to promote peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
