Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Hungary is of major historical significance but also highlights the strong personal connection between the leaders of the two countries, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday as he stated the two have known each other for many years.
Xi landed in the capital Budapest late on Wednesday to make his state visit to Hungary, and he and his wife Peng Liyuan were warmly welcomed at the airport by Orban and his wife Aniko Levai.
In an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV), Orban underlined the historical importance of Xi's visit in the context of taking China-Hungary ties to new heights, but also spoke of the strong personal relationship he shares with Xi which stretches back nearly 15 years.
He recalled how he first met with the now Chinese president back in 2009, when Xi was then serving as vice president, and said they have met a total of eight times since.
"We decided that on a personal basis, on a national basis, and on a historical basis, we will do everything to improve and raise up the cooperation of the two countries. So that that's how we met first time, (and ever since) then he is working for the Hungarian friendship-based cooperation and I do the same thing here. China is 100 times bigger by territory than Hungary. It's probably surprising that a big country leader like the president of China is visiting Hungary for two or three days. It's unusual," he said.
Hungary marks the last leg of Xi's six-day three-nation Europe tour which will wrap up on Friday, with the Chinese president having paid state visits to France and Serbia earlier this week.
Xi's Hungary visit highlights strong personal connection between leaders: Orban
Xi's Hungary visit highlights strong personal connection between leaders: Orban
Xi's Hungary visit highlights strong personal connection between leaders: Orban
