Vietnam, Hungary prioritise future cooperation areas

They agreed that the Vietnam – Hungary relations have developed well in many fields over the years, and that the Vietnam visit by Prime Minister Viktor Orban in 2017 and the Hungary visit by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in 2018 opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Hue thanked Hungary for supporting the signing and ratification of the EU – Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA). Hungary was also the first EU member state that has ratified the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Vietnam attaches great importance to and wishes to develop the Vietnam-Hungary comprehensive partnership more effectively, practically and substantially, said Hue.

He briefed his host on the results of talks between the top legislators of the two countries and legislation experience, education and economic seminars during the visit which he said would contribute to elevating bilateral cooperation to new heights.

The top Vietnamese legislator suggested that the Hungarian Government continue to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese expatriates to live and do business stably, contributing to local development and turning their hearts towards the homeland.  

Hue affirmed that the Communist Party of Vietnam wishes to consolidate and develop relations with the ruling FIDESZ party. He conveyed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official invitation to the Hungarian Prime Minister to visit Vietnam. The invitation was accepted with pleasure.

With regard to economic cooperation, the two sides vowed to increase trade turnover in a more balanced way, by facilitating market access for their products, and encouraging their businesses to expand investment in the interests of the two peoples.

They agreed to definitively solve pending issues in the ongoing projects in Vietnam, and ramp up cooperation in the fields of green, clean, inclusive economy, high-quality agriculture, food security, pharmacy among others.

The National Assembly of Vietnam strongly supports and creates favourable conditions for the two governments to realize cooperation programmes, Hue told his host.

For his part, Prime Minister Orban shared Hungary’s experience in economic development, especially its experience in avoiding economic recession. He affirmed that Hungary is ready to cooperate with Vietnam in post-pandemic economic recovery.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two leaders agreed that in order to deal with traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the current context, the two countries should strengthen close cooperation and coordination at multilateral and regional forums such as the United Nations, and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

They shared stances on peaceful settlement of conflicts and disputes according to international law. Hue requested Hungary to support Vietnam’s and ASEAN’s views on regional security issues as well as the central role of ASEAN.

Vietnam supports Hungary and acts as a bridge between Hungary and ASEAN, while Hungary supports Vietnam in its relationship with the EU, they said.