HUNGARY

China and Hungary should make joint efforts to ensure the on-time completion and operation of the Hungary-Serbia railway project, build up the scale of cross-border e-commerce and expand cooperation in the information technology and new-energy sectors, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.

Speaking during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Beijing, Xi stressed China's commitment to promoting a deep synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative with Hungary's "Opening to the East" policy, and sharing development opportunities and achievements.

China stands ready to scale up imports of high-quality agricultural products from Hungary, and the two sides should make good use of cultural centers established in each other's countries, encourage language teaching and learning, and pass down the tradition of China-Hungary friendship to future generations, he said.

He commended Hungary for pursuing a friendly policy toward China and actively supporting the BRI.

China is willing to continue being a trustworthy friend and partner of Hungary, and take the China-Hungary comprehensive strategic partnership to new levels as next year marks the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, said the president.

While noting that cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries serves the common interests of both sides, Xi said that China is willing to work with Hungary to continue guiding this cooperation in the right direction, enriching its content and enabling the stable and long-term development of China-Europe relations.

Orban, who also took part in the previous two editions of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, underlined the contribution of Chinese companies, including the construction of the Hungary-Serbia railway project in spurring Hungary's socioeconomic growth.

He expressed steadfast support for the BRI and pledged continuous participation in the initiative, which he said has led to significant positive changes in the world and promotes global economic growth.

Hungary will continue to be a trustworthy friend and partner of China within the European Union, he said, adding that his country opposes any "decoupling" or "de-risking" practices and is willing to strengthen economic, trade, investment and connectivity cooperation with China.

XU WEI