Li, Hungarian acting president discuss ties

BUDAPEST - Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang discussed here Monday with Hungarian acting President Laszlo Kover the bilateral ties, saying it is in the fundamental interests of both countries to enhance friendly and cooperative partnership.

During their talks, Li said that with a long history of exchanges and contacts, China and Hungary have cultivated deep friendship and laid  solid foundation for pragmatic cooperation.

Visiting Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang (L) shakes hands with Hungarian acting President Laszlo Kover in Budapest on Monday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hungary has become China's largest investment destination in Central and Eastern Europe, Li said, adding China stands ready to actively promote practical cooperation with Hungary and make joint efforts to create conditions for promoting two-way trade and balance of trade.

The Chinese side will encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Hungary and provide financial support for them, said Li, voicing the hope that the Hungarian side will offer more convenient conditions for the investment drive of Chinese enterprises.

Against the backdrop of ever-deepening globalization, the two nations need to pull together in times of trouble and further advance practical  cooperation in various areas, the Chinese vice premier said.

He said China will, as always, view bilateral relations from a long-term strategic perspective and is willing to be Hungary's good friend and partner.

Kover, who is also the speaker of the Hungarian parliament, lauded the important role China plays in international political and economic affairs.

He said Hungary is willing to expand trade with China, increase exports to China and attract more Chinese enterprises to invest in Hungary in a joint effort to cope with the international financial crisis.

The two sides also need to strengthen exchanges in such areas as education and tourism, Kover said.

Also on Monday, in the company of his Hungarian counterpart Tibor Navracsics, Li visited a Hungarian-Chinese bilingual school in Budapest and presented learning materials for Chinese language learners there.

The Chinese vice premier flew in from Moscow earlier in the day for an official visit.