Vietnam and Hungary Seek to Strengthen Multifaceted Cooperation
On March 19, Vietnam and Hungary discussed enhancing cooperation ahead of their 75th diplomatic anniversary. The meeting involved key agreements on trade, investment, and labor cooperation, highlighting the commitment to bolster their comprehensive partnership despite global challenges.
On March 19, Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, engaged in discussions with Szijjarto Peter, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in Hanoi. They concurred on enhancing cooperation across various potential domains, particularly as the two nations commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations from 1950 to 2025.
Minister Son praised the significance of Mr. Szijjarto’s visit, indicating that it plays a vital role in strengthening the Vietnam-Hungary comprehensive partnership. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to fostering multifaceted cooperation with Hungary, which is regarded as its foremost comprehensive partner in Central and Eastern Europe.
During the meeting, Szijjarto Peter expressed his deep admiration for Vietnam’s notable achievements in socio-economic development and its growing presence on the global stage. He underscored Hungary’s intention to bolster relations with Vietnam, a key partner in Southeast Asia.
Both leaders recognized the flourishing traditional friendship and extensive collaboration in various sectors over the past 75 years. These sectors include politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, culture, education, healthcare, and development cooperation. Currently, Hungary stands as a significant trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe, with bilateral trade consistently around 1 billion USD annually, despite global economic challenges.
The officials acknowledged the potential for further enhancement of bilateral cooperation and agreed on specific measures moving forward. These measures encompass increasing high-level delegation exchanges and ensuring cooperation at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the ASEAN-EU cooperation framework.
They also plan to maximize benefits from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), promote mutual access for agricultural and aquatic products, and encourage Hungarian investments in sectors aligned with Vietnam’s needs. Furthermore, they will expedite the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and strengthen cooperation in areas like education, healthcare, climate change, and nuclear personnel training.
In addition, both sides agreed to initiate negotiations for a readmission agreement to enhance labor cooperation and to host the 10th session of the Vietnam-Hungary Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation in Hanoi shortly. Concerning regional and international issues, including the East Sea and Ukraine, both parties reiterated that disputes should be resolved peacefully, respecting the UN Charter and international law.
The discussions between Vietnam and Hungary mark a significant step towards strengthening their comprehensive partnership, especially during the year they celebrate their 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The commitment to foster multifaceted cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, and education, along with addressing complex regional issues, reflects their mutual dedication to a robust bilateral relationship. Future agreements and collaborations are set to enhance socio-economic benefits for both nations.
Original Source: en.vietnamplus.vn
