Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary Köver László, stressed that the visit of the Vietnamese top legislator is of great significance in further fostering the relations between the two countries and people in general and the two NAs in particular.
NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan thanked the host for the warm reception and then joined the host to highly value fine recent developments in the Vietnam-Hungary bilateral relations in various fields. Over the past time, the two sides have actively exchanged delegations at all levels to boost cooperation in different fields. The economic, trade and investment cooperation has been expanded. The two-way trade value made a record high in 2016 reaching about USD 266 million, an increase of more than 36% compared with 2015.
The Vietnamese and the Hungarian delegations hold talks. Photo: VNA
The Hungarian top legislator affirmed that Hungary has considered Vietnam a strategic partner in the Southeast Asian region since 2010. Hungary has drawn up a new strategy on foreign relations, foreign trade; and cooperation with Vietnam is also part of Hungary’s new cooperation policy. NA Speaker László suggested that the two countries further boost cooperation in economics and trade to be on par with potential and aspiration of both sides.
The two sides acknowledged their coordination and mutual support at international inter-parliamentary forums. Ngan and László also agreed to increase exchange of high-level NA delegations, NA agencies and parliamentary friendship groups.
The Hungarian NA Speaker confirmed to continue support and experience sharing in law building, supervision of the State’s operation and training for Vietnam’s cadres. The two sides also pledged to increase the supervision over the implementation of the signed agreements and projects; support the two countries’ governments, localities, enterprises and people to enhance exchange for better understanding and cooperation for mutual interest.
* On the afternoon of April 10, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan met with Hungarian President Asder János. Stressing the traditional friendship of Vietnam and Hungary, Ngan said that the Party, State and people of Vietnam always bear in mind the invaluable support of Hungary for Vietnam over the past years.
On this occasion, Ngan thanked the President and the State of Hungary for providing favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Hungary to stabilize life and integrate into the local society. She also suggested that Hungary support the organization of Vietnamese language courses for the Vietnamese community in Hungary.
For his part, President Asder János expressed joy when receiving NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, confirming that Hungary has always highly valued the role of the Vietnamese community in the country and those who have experienced education in Hungary. He hoped that the people would contribute more to connecting and boosting relations between the two countries. The Hungarian State leader said that younger generations of Vietnam should follow their previous generations to learn more about the Hungarian culture and Vietnam-Hungary traditional friendly relations.
The Hungarian President confirmed to continue cooperation and experience sharing with Vietnam in water treatment as Vietnam is developing fast and in good need of running water.
* The same afternoon, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
At the meeting, Ngan said she was happy over the socio-economic achievements that Hungary has gained over the past time and thanked the country for supporting Vietnam and urging EU to soon sign and ratify the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement. She hoped the two sides maintain the consultation mechanism and support each other at international forums and organizations.
Vietnam welcomes Hungary’s policy to improve bilateral economic cooperation, including the signing of the credit framework agreement worth EUR 440 million. She asked Hungary to quickly implement the agreement and affirmed that Vietnam will send a list of feasible projects to the Hungarian side for the effective use of the credit.
For his part, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that Hungary always attaches special importance to improving multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam. He further affirmed that the traditional friendship and cooperation have been demonstrated via high-level meetings, creating mutual political trust. The Hungarian senior official also clarified that though the European country has been facing various difficulties, it still provides Vietnam with a EUR 440 million credit package.
* Earlier on the morning of April 10, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and her Hungarian counterpart met with the press to inform the results of the talks.
* The same morning, the Vietnamese NA delegation laid the wreath at the Heroes’ Monument in Budapest.
* At noon the same day, Hungarian NA Speaker Köver László hosted a banquet for the Vietnamese NA Chairwoman and her entourage.
* In the evening of April 10, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan received President of the Hungary-Vietnam Friendship Association Botsz Laszlo.
Translated by Huu Duong