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China and Hungary hail ‘all-weather’ partnership as Xi Jinping gets red carpet treatment in Budapest

  • New designation of relationship brings diplomatic ties to highest level, underscored by 17 agreements signed between the two sides
  • Xi, following meetings with his Hungarian counterpart, says the countries are embarking on a ‘golden’ voyage

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Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok (left) welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to Buda Castle in Budapest on Thursday. Photo: MTI via AP
Orange Wangin BudapestandKawala Xiein Hong Kong
China and Hungary on Thursday announced an upgrade in their bilateral relationship to an “all-weather” comprehensive strategic partnership, as their leaders projected far-reaching unity during Xi Jinping’s final stop on a closely watched trip to Europe.
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The new designation brings diplomatic ties with Budapest to the same rank of nations as those Beijing trusts most, including Belarus, Pakistan and Venezuela.
It came on Thursday during the Chinese president’s first state visit to the central European country, having met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Following their talks, the leaders witnessed the exchange of 17 agreements between the two nations.

The pacts covered cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, investment, nuclear energy, supply chain, finance, trade, green development and exports of Hungarian agricultural products, culture, technology and media services.
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In a joint statement on Thursday, the two hailed the elevated bilateral relationship as an “all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era” that would “continuously enhance strategic and political mutual trust” between the countries.

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