BRI helping nurture links with Hungary

Railway project and battery plants underline countries' efforts

Experts and business leaders are unanimous in agreeing that enriched China-Hungary business ties will be advantageous for both countries while injecting fresh vitality into China's cooperation with the European Union.

Noting the two countries share huge common interests and substantial economic cooperation potential, they said Hungary's status as the first European country to enter into an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with China for the Belt and Road Initiative has yielded significant outcomes, greatly benefiting the east-central European nation.

China is poised to take the opportunity to infuse fresh and robust momentum into the development of bilateral relations, such as ensuring the successful construction of the Hungary-Serbia railroad.

During a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in late September, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stressed his country will continue to deepen BRI cooperation between the two sides and make solid progress in construction of the Hungary-Serbia railway as a springboard for further development of bilateral relations.

Szijjarto said the Hungarian side strongly opposes decoupling from China and wants to see the EU and China cooperate more closely, adding that Hungary does not support the EU taking any measures that are not conducive to fair competition and cooperation.

The minister also said Hungary appreciates China's efforts in promoting peace in Europe, and hopes it will continue to play an active role in that regard.

Eager to further strengthen their bond through the BRI, China and Hungary agreed late last year to establish an inter-governmental Belt and Road cooperation committee to create momentum for the development of bilateral ties.