BUDAPEST, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian Foreign Minister Kinga Goncz said her country has always seen China as an important partner.

    Thanks to Budapest's new Asia policy adopted in 2003, Hungary-China relations have entered the "golden era," she told Xinhua in an exclusive interview prior to her visit to China starting Saturday.

    Hungary's accession to NATO and the European Union (EU) did not affect Budapest's relations with China, she said.

    The two countries have been developing their relations on the basis of mutual benefit and mutual trust, she said.

    The Hungarian government is readjusting its foreign policy, which will give Asia even more weight than the 2003 Asia policy, she said. "China will continue to be a partner of crucial importance."

    She said there are no political or economic impediments to Hungary-China relations. The two countries have established a mechanism of high-level dialogue. Every year between 60 and 80 official delegations visit each other's country, carrying out consultations on various issues.

    Economic and trade ties have been strong in recent years, with bilateral trade reaching 4 billion U.S. dollars in 2006, said Goncz.

    Hungary welcomes Chinese investors, who can take advantage of the country's geographic position and its EU membership, she said.

    Hungary is willing to work with China in the science and technology field, particularly in environmental protection and irrigation, where Hungary has clear advantages, she said.

    The Hungarian government is planning a charm offensive in China in the autumn and winter, including tourism promotion, and economic and cultural activities.

    On difficulties experienced by Chinese citizens in obtaining Hungarian visas, Goncz explained that countries are becoming cautious in issuing visas as global security situation worsens.

    Hungary grants visas in accordance with the status quo of bilateral relations, she said.

    But she promised that there will be one more staff in Hungary's consulate general in Shanghai to facilitate visa application processing there.

    Goncz deplored the fact that Chinese and nationals of other countries became targets of rightist violence in September and October 2006. She said Hungary remains a peaceful country despite the extremist activities.

    Goncz, who is visiting China for the first time, said she is very much looking forward to her trip.