Vietnam, Hungary – Partnership
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh engaged in talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on January 18 in Budapest, marking a significant event during his official visit to Hungary from January 18-20.
The discussions highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, especially as they commemorate five years of their comprehensive partnership (2018-2023) and anticipate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties (1950-2025)
Prime Minister Orban emphasized the importance of Prime Minister Chinh’s visit, underscoring Vietnam’s status as Hungary’s key partner in Southeast Asia. He expressed confidence that the visit would contribute to the deepening of bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Chinh commended Hungary’s socio-economic achievements and expressed optimism about the nation’s future development. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to intensifying cooperation with Hungary, its first comprehensive partner in Central and Eastern Europe.
During the talks, Prime Minister Chinh extended gratitude to Hungary for its historical support during Vietnam’s struggle for independence and the recent provision of vaccines and medical equipment amid the challenging COVID-19 situation.
Both leaders discussed major directions and specific measures to elevate the Vietnam-Hungary comprehensive partnership to new heights. They agreed to enhance contacts and delegation exchanges at all levels, fostering political trust and understanding. In the economic realm, the leaders emphasized the importance of existing cooperation mechanisms and encouraged the effective implementation of the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
Prime Minister Chinh proposed facilitating the entry of more Vietnamese goods into Hungary, particularly in agro-forestry-fishery products, and welcomed Hungarian businesses to explore opportunities in Vietnam and ASEAN markets. Discussions also touched upon the negotiation of an Agreement on Encouragement and Mutual Protection of Investments between the two governments.
On the education front, both sides welcomed positive outcomes and cooperation mechanisms between universities, with Hungary providing 200 scholarships annually for Vietnamese students. Cultural collaboration, labor, science-technology, and environmental initiatives were also part of the comprehensive discussions.
Prime Minister Orban praised the Vietnamese community in Hungary, and Prime Minister Chính urged continued support for the integration of Vietnamese expats into local society.
The talks concluded with the signing and exchange of cooperation documents between ministries and agencies, emphasizing joint efforts against organized transnational crimes and fostering cultural ties. Additionally, both leaders co-chaired a press conference, sharing the positive outcomes of their discussions.
Prime Minister Chinh’s visit to Hungary showcases the depth of the bilateral relationship, emphasizing mutual cooperation, economic ties, and shared values. The discussions set the stage for enhanced collaboration and increased exchanges between Vietnam and Hungary across various sectors.
