Vietnam and Hungary Strengthen Ties, Explore New Areas of Cooperation Ahead of 75th Anniversary

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn held talks with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations Péter Szijjártó in Hanoi on Wednesday, marking the second day of the Hungarian official’s visit to Vietnam.

Deputy PM Sơn emphasized the significance of the visit, viewing it as a key step in strengthening the Comprehensive Partnership between Vietnam and Hungary, particularly as the two nations approach the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025.

He affirmed Việt Nam’s strong commitment to deepening multifaceted cooperation with Hungary, which remains Việt Nam’s first comprehensive partner in Central and Eastern Europe. Deputy PM Sơn expressed gratitude toward the Hungarian government, highlighting the importance of continued support for the Vietnamese community in Hungary, ensuring their stable integration into local society, and fostering positive contributions to both Hungary’s socio-economic development and bilateral ties.

Minister Szijjártó shared his admiration for Vietnam’s impressive socio-economic achievements and growing role in international affairs. He commended Vietnam for its increasing influence in both the regional and global arenas, reaffirming Hungary’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Vietnam, which is considered Hungary’s leading Southeast Asian partner.

In their discussions, the two diplomats reflected on the successful trajectory of Vietnam-Hungary relations over the past 75 years, emphasizing their shared progress in various fields, including political-diplomatic ties, trade, investment, cultural exchange, education, and healthcare. Both sides celebrated Hungary’s role as one of Vietnam’s largest trading partners in Central and Eastern Europe and recognized Vietnam as one of Hungary’s most promising markets in Asia. Despite global economic challenges, trade between the two countries has shown consistent positive growth, with recent annual turnover reaching approximately $1 billion.

Both parties agreed that significant potential remains for further enhancing bilateral cooperation. They outlined key areas for future collaboration, including increasing high-level exchanges, particularly in 2025, and reinforcing coordination at multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and ASEAN-EU forums. The two nations also discussed the importance of leveraging the Việt Nam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to facilitate greater market access for agricultural and aquatic products.

Furthermore, both sides expressed their intent to encourage Hungarian businesses to invest in sectors where Hungary’s expertise aligns with Việt Nam’s needs, such as pharmaceuticals, animal husbandry, food processing, and water management. They also agreed to expedite the ratification of the Việt Nam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

The discussions extended to enhancing cooperation in areas like education, nuclear power human resource training, agriculture, defense, climate change, and healthcare. Both sides committed to pursuing negotiations on a citizen repatriation agreement and organizing the 10th session of the Vietnam-Hungary Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation in Hanoi.

On regional and international matters, both diplomats underscored the importance of resolving disputes peacefully, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law. They specifically discussed concerns related to the East Sea (South China Sea) and the situation in Ukraine.

The same day, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính hosted Minister Szijjártó for a meeting, during which he extended an invitation to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for an official visit to Vietnam.

Minister Szijjártó also highlighted Hungary’s expertise in nuclear power, noting Hungary’s 50 years of experience with Russian technology in nuclear plant operations. He expressed Hungary’s readiness to assist in training 1,000 Vietnamese experts in nuclear power plant operations, marking this as a key strategic area for future cooperation between the two nations.