Vietnamese Prime Minister holds talks with Hungarian counterpart

The Hungarian Prime Minister spoke highly of the significance of the Vietnamese Prime Minister’s visit in the context that the two countries have marked five years of the comprehensive partnership (2018-2023) and are looking towards the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties (1950-2025).

Viet Nam is always Hungary’s top partner in Southeast Asia and believed that the visit would contribute to deepening the two countries’ relations, said Prime Minister Orban.

Prime Minister Pham said that Viet Nam expects to spur cooperation with Hungary – its first comprehensive partner in Central and Eastern Europe.

He said Viet Nam treasures the valuable assistance the government and people of Hungary have given to Viet Nam in the past struggle for national independence and reunification as well as the present national construction and development, citing the most recent provision of vaccines and medical equipment for Viet Nam in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pair agreed to increase contacts and delegation exchanges at all levels through Party, State, Government, parliament and people-to-people channels to strengthen political trust and mutual understanding, creating a foundation to promote and expand bilateral cooperation in all fields.

The two leaders were unanimous in boosting existing cooperation mechanisms, agreeing on the early organization of the 10th meeting of the joint committee on economic cooperation between Viet Nam and Hungary.

They encouraged agencies and businesses of both sides to continue fully and effectively implement the European Union – Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Prime Minister Pham called upon Hungary to create favorable conditions for more Vietnamese goods to go to Hungary, especially agro-forestry-fishery products, while affirming Viet Nam stands ready to welcome Hungarian goods and serve as a gateway for the commodities to access the ASEAN markets.

He also thanked Hungary for its support to Viet Nam in the negotiation and signing of the EVFTA and being the first EU member to ratify the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Pham suggested the European Commission (EC) soon lift the “yellow card” warning for Viet Nam’s seafood.

In reply, the Hungarian Prime Minister stressed that Viet Nam is one of Hungary’s most promising markets in the Asia-Pacific region and many Hungarian businesses are interested in expanding investment and business in the Southeast Asian nation.

He pledged to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to invest in Hungary in such potential areas as information technology and auto industry.

Pham thanked the Hungarian government for its provision of 200 scholarships for Vietnamese students every year.

Both sides also welcomed the direct, closely and effective cooperation mechanism between the two countries’ universities, reflected via a series of memoranda of understanding (MoU) signed by Vietnamese and Hungarian training establishments during the visit.

Regarding international and regional issues of shared concern, the two Prime Ministers agreed to support resolving disputes by peaceful measures, in line with international law and the United Nations Charter, including not using force or threatening to use force; and ensuring peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse, and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam are paying an official visit to Hungary from January 18-20.

The visit is taking place at a time when the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries with a history of over 70 years are developing fruitfully in all fields.

The first Prime Minister-level trip between Viet Nam and Hungary in seven years holds great significance as it aims to further intensify their comprehensive partnership, established in 2018, particularly in economy, education - training, and pharmaceutical technology./.