Adding momentum to the development of Vietnam-Hungary relations

Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament Kover Laszlo. (Photo: VNA)

Taking place in the context of the two countries' relations being on a good development path, the visit demonstrates the respect and strong determination of the leaders and people of Vietnam and Hungary to further deepen the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries.

Despite the geographical distance, Vietnam and Hungary have always maintained a close bond, formed since the arduous years of Vietnam's struggle for national liberation, to the period of building and developing the country. Hungary was one of the first 10 countries in the world to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1950 - an extremely difficult time in the struggle for independence of the Vietnamese people, and at the same time gave Vietnam much support and valuable assistance. It was not only material support, but also the spirit of solidarity, the deep sharing of common values of peace , independence and freedom.

After 75 years of association, the Vietnam-Hungary relationship continues to develop more and more deeply, with regular exchanges of delegations at all levels, especially high-level ones. In 2017, the Communist Party of Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation with the FIDESZ Party, establishing official relations between the two ruling parties. The two countries upgraded their relations in 2018, making Hungary Vietnam's first Comprehensive Partner in Central and Eastern Europe. The Party and State of Vietnam always attach importance to the relationship with Hungary, a top priority partner in Vietnam's overall foreign policy in the Central and Eastern Europe region. Meanwhile, Hungarian leaders have repeatedly affirmed that Vietnam is Hungary's priority partner in the Asia -Pacific and Southeast Asia regions.

On the parliamentary cooperation channel, the two countries' National Assemblies actively promote delegation exchanges at all levels and bilateral contacts. Within multilateral frameworks, the two sides maintain contact, consultation, and close and effective cooperation at multilateral parliamentary forums, together contributing many initiatives to regional and international parliamentary organizations.

Solidarity, political trust and mutual understanding have created an important foundation for the two countries to promote cooperation in many fields, of which the economy is a bright spot. Hungary is a major trade partner of Vietnam in Central Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, Vietnam is a potential market for Hungary in Asia. Bilateral trade turnover increases steadily every year, reaching more than 900 million USD in 2024, up 7.3% compared to 2023. Hungary is also one of the first European Union (EU) member countries to ratify the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA); it is also the Central Eastern European country that provides the most preferential credit to Vietnam with 440 million euros to implement clean water supply and electronic population management projects.

To date, Hungary has 21 valid foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of 50.66 million USD, ranking 52nd among countries and territories with direct investment in Vietnam.

In addition, cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education and training, environment, culture, tourism, national defense and security, people-to-people exchange, etc. has also achieved many good results. The Vietnamese community in Hungary, with about 6,000 people, has integrated well with the local community, always united towards the Fatherland and is positively evaluated by the Hungarian side. These are "people's ambassadors" who have contributed to the persistent cultivation of friendship and solidarity between the two peoples.

The official visit to Vietnam by the Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, Kover Laszlo, aims to continue implementing the results achieved by the two countries' senior leaders. Accordingly, bilateral cooperation in traditional areas such as politics-diplomacy, economics, security-defense, education will be further deepened, while cooperation will be expanded to areas with great potential such as renewable energy, labor, green transformation, and information technology. In addition, the visit is also an opportunity for the two countries to strengthen cooperation on the parliamentary channel.

On the basis of the traditional friendship that has overcome all challenges over the past 75 years, with great potential and prospects for cooperation, and the determination and joint efforts of the two countries, the visit will contribute significantly to promoting the Vietnam-Hungary Comprehensive Partnership to continue to develop strongly, for the benefit of the two peoples, for peace, stability and sustainable development in the region and the world.

PEOPLE

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tiep-them-dong-luc-phat-trien-quan-he-viet-nam-hungary-post916198.html