China and Hungary Forge All-Weather Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for New Era: Joint Statement

Budapest, The Gulf Observer: China and Hungary have embarked on a transformative journey by formalizing an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. The joint statement issued on Thursday reflects the shared commitment of the two nations to deepen cooperation across various domains, ushering in a new era of collaboration and mutual benefit.

The state visit of H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, to Hungary from May 8 to 10, 2024, at the invitation of H.E. Tamas Sulyok, President of Hungary, set the stage for this historic announcement. President Xi Jinping engaged in substantive discussions with President Sulyok and Prime Minister Viktor Orban, characterized by warmth, openness, and mutual trust, reaffirming the strong foundation of friendship between the Chinese and Hungarian peoples.

The joint statement, presented in its entirety, outlines the key areas of cooperation and mutual understanding between the two nations:

1. Leadership Engagement: Both sides pledge to actively utilize bilateral and multilateral platforms for high-level meetings, recognizing the pivotal role of leadership exchanges in providing strategic guidance.
2. Mutual Respect and Admiration: Hungary acknowledges China’s remarkable achievements in economic and social development, while China commends Hungary’s peaceful and pragmatic foreign policy, fostering regional stability and prosperity.
3. Sovereignty and Security: China and Hungary reaffirm their support for each other’s sovereignty, with Hungary endorsing the one-China principle and opposing separatist activities.
4. Enhanced Governance Cooperation: The two sides commit to intensifying exchanges between central and local governments, legislatures, and political parties, fostering mutual learning and trust.
5. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Synergy: Cooperation under the BRI has yielded fruitful results, with both countries pledging to deepen collaboration and ensure the safety and security of relevant projects.
6. Economic Cooperation: Hungary welcomes Chinese investment and business ventures, while both sides agree to promote orderly cooperation in emerging fields such as clean energy and artificial intelligence.
7. Cultural Exchanges: The 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations will be celebrated through joint cultural activities, strengthening the bond between the two peoples.
8. Tourism and Visa Facilitation: Both sides aim to enhance tourism cooperation and facilitate visa processes to promote two-way travel and people-to-people contacts.
9. Education Cooperation: The two nations commit to promoting exchanges between universities and think tanks, encouraging joint research projects, and supporting language teaching initiatives.
10. Scientific and Technological Innovation: Cooperation in this area will be deepened through regular sessions of the China-Hungary Science and Technology Cooperation Committee and expanded people-to-people exchanges.
11. Global Health Cooperation: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, both sides pledge to deepen cooperation on health policy, disease prevention, and traditional medicine.
12. China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Cooperation: The importance of the China-CEEC Cooperation platform is recognized, with Hungary committed to playing a more significant role in various areas of cooperation.
13. Global Governance: Both nations underline the importance of settling disputes peacefully through dialogue and consultations, reaffirming their commitment to upholding international law and fostering global peace and stability.

The establishment of an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Hungary signifies a deepening of their longstanding friendship and a commitment to shared prosperity. As they embark on this new chapter, both nations are poised to realize their full potential through enhanced cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and scientific domains.