Hungarian officials and experts anticipate stronger bilateral ties with China as they express optimism ahead of the upcoming state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Hungary.
President Xi is scheduled to pay state visits to France, Serbia and Hungary from May 5 to 10.
In interviews with China Central Television (CCTV), they expressed that China-Hungary relations have maintained a high level of development, with frequent high-level exchanges and fruitful cooperation outcomes in key sectors.
Marton Nagy, the Minister for National Economy of Hungary, pointed out that President Xi’s visit to the country presents a unique opportunity for the Hungarian government.
"This is a really unique opportunity. I think it is not just because Hungary is a good place, [nor] is part of the European Union, but because of the long-lasting friendship. Hungary was always on the side of China's politics, economic development and strategy. We always support China. We're really great friends," explained Nagy.
Meanwhile, economic experts believe that Xi's visit will bring about more economic cooperation between China and Europe, as well as promote trade openness.
"Definitely, the focus (of the visit) is on economic cooperation between the two countries. China is not doing geopolitics in eastern Europe. It is not doing geopolitics in the Europe either. China wants to have or would like to have more trade, more globalization," said Csaba Moldicz, Head of the Center for International Economy at the Mathias Corvinus Collegium Foundation.
An expert on international relations said Xi's upcoming state visit highlights the deepening of people-to-people relations, which is crucial for fostering peace and development.
"These high-level political meetings and visits are very frequent. People-to-people relations are also thriving," said Gergely Salat, Head of Institute of International Relations and Political Sciences at Pazmany Peter Catholic University.
Hungarian geographer Norbert Csizmadia, also the President of Board of Trustee at John von Neumann University Foundation, said that Hungary has already launched or planned direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other Chinese cities, demonstrating the deepening exchanges and strengthening of ties between the two sides.
"The young generation of the Hungarian people want to study and learn about the Chinese language. So, it means between the two countries the bilateral relations [are] stronger and stronger for years. About the green technology, about the energy, about the infrastructure development, the Hungarian government believes [in] the connectivity strategy, so getting closer with different countries together," Csizmadia continued.
2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Hungary.
In 2015, Hungary became the first European country to sign a Belt and Road cooperation document with China. Since then, their friendship has further blossomed, with advances made in political, trade and people-to-people relations.
Hungarian officials, experts optimistic of closer ties with China ahead of Xi's visit
Hungarian officials, experts optimistic of closer ties with China ahead of Xi's visit
