Beijing, Budapest upgrade partnership

Orban said during the meeting with Xi that the success of China-Hungary relations proves that countries large and small can respect each other and cooperate for mutual benefit.

He said BRI cooperation between China and Hungary has been a great success, creating jobs and improving people's livelihoods in Hungary. Hungary hopes to continue cooperating with China on large infrastructure projects under the BRI framework, and strengthen cooperation in trade, new energy, and other fields, Orban said, adding that his government welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in Hungary.

Orban rejected rhetoric about China's "overcapacity" or attempts for "de-risking", saying that Hungary is committed to deepening cooperation with China, undeterred by any external influences.

China's development is an opportunity, not a risk, for Europe, he stressed.

The Hungarian leader insisted that his country is eager to strengthen multilateral communication and collaboration with China to jointly maintain world peace and stability.

As the holder of the EU's rotating presidency in the latter half of the year, Hungary is willing to work positively for the healthy development of EU-China relations and for cooperation between Central and Eastern European countries and China, he added.

xuwei@chinadaily.com.cn