Xi attends farewell event held by Hungarian PM Orban

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan attend a farewell event at the invitation of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his wife in Budapest, Hungary, May 10, 2024. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

BUDAPEST -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan attended a farewell event held here on Friday at the invitation of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his wife.

The two leaders and their spouses overlooked the city of Budapest together and had a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Danube River.

Orban briefed Xi on the history, development, transformation and future plans of the city of Budapest, noting that Chinese enterprises have made significant contributions to Hungary's economic development and urban construction, and many Chinese-built projects have become flagship projects of bilateral cooperation and a symbol of friendship.

China leads the world in many technological sectors, and Hungary looks forward to more cooperation with China and importing more advanced technologies from China to benefit Hungary's national development and people's livelihood, said the Hungarian prime minister.

Xi thanked Orban for his warm invitation and thoughtful arrangements, adding that he not only felt the historical tradition of Budapest, but also saw the fresh vitality here, which deepened his understanding of Hungary and left a valuable memory.

Xi said that he was deeply impressed by Hungary's development and achievements over the past 15 years, adding that exchanges and cooperation between the two countries have contributed to China's reform and opening-up.

China is now advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, and China's high-quality development and opening-up will provide more opportunities for Hungary, said the Chinese president, adding that China stands ready to strengthen economic, technological exchanges and cooperation with Hungary, push for more development and achievements of the two countries, and create a better life for people of the two nations.

The two leaders sat by the window, observing the clouds billow and unfurl outside, while engaging in candid discussions about their respective experiences of growth and governance philosophies, exchanging views on important issues of common concern, and reaching numerous agreements.

Xi briefed Orban on the century-old history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the important philosophies of party management and state governance, pointing out that the CPC has grown from a small party with only a few dozen members to a large one with more than 98 million members, and has withstood many severe tests, leading China to achieve today's achievements.

The CPC is confident in continuing to overcome various risks and challenges on the road ahead and maintain China's long-term stability and development, Xi said, noting this will not only enable the Chinese people to have better lives but also make a greater contribution to world peace and development.

He stressed that although the visit did not last long, the two sides had full and in-depth communication and reached many important consensus.

The two sides decided to establish an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era, promoting bilateral ties to unprecedented new heights, Xi said.

China and Hungary have similar philosophies and both advocate independence, Xi noted, adding that he looks forward to maintaining close communication with Prime Minister Orban, leading the two countries to carry on friendship, and working together to translate the consensus that has been reached into tangible cooperation results, so as to continue to benefit people of the two countries.

Xi said he has full confidence in the future development of China-Hungary relations.