Vice president arrives in Budapest on visit to Hungary

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-16 09:58

BUDAPEST: Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived in Budapest on an official visit to Hungary on Thursday night after his tour to Bulgaria.

In a written statement upon his arrival at the airport, Xi said this year, which marks the 60th anniversary of the Sino-Hungarian diplomatic ties, was a landmark in bilateral ties.

No matter what changes occurred on the international arena or domestically in both countries, the relations between the two sides have always developed steadily, he said.

Xi noted the Chinese government valued the traditional friendship with Hungary and paid great attention to developing reciprocal cooperation.

"I am looking forward to exchanging views with the Hungarian leaders on bilateral relations and issues of common concern," he said.

Xi voiced his belief that the visit would promote mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation to push forward the friendly and cooperative partnership with Hungary.

Hungary is the fourth leg of Xi's European tour. He has already visited Belgium, Germany, Bulgaria and he will also visit Romania.