Jia Qinglin (L Front), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with former Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy in Budapest, capital of Hungary, on May 9, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BUDAPEST, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese leader Jia Qinglin met here Friday afternoon with former Hungarian Prime Minister Medgyessy Peter on bilateral relations.

    Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is in Budapest for a four-day official goodwill visit to Hungary.

    During the meeting, Jia expressed appreciation on Medgyessy over his effort and contribution to advancing China-Hungary relations. He said since the two countries established diplomatic relations 59 years ago, China and Hungary have actively developed bilateral links in the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. Especially in the recent years, the two countries have continuously deepened political trust and rapidly expanded practical cooperation in all fields.

    For example, he said Bank of China has set up its Eastern Europe branch in Budapest. The two countries jointly set up the Chinese-Hungarian bilingual public school in Eastern Europe. Hungary has become a tourist destination in Eastern Europe for Chinese travelers. China has opened the flight route to Eastern Europe that linking Beijing with Budapest.

    Jia said these reflect the strong and good momentum of bilateral relations. Noting that next year will be the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic links between the two countries, Jia said China is ready to work with Hungary to open up an even better tomorrow for the friendly cooperative partnership.

    Medgyessy said the friendly and cooperative relations between Hungary and China are showing good momentum. The two countries have always respected each other's tradition, culture and choice of development routes. They have been true friends and carried out mutually beneficial cooperation.

    He said Hungary is paying attention to China's development and regards China as a strategic cooperative partner. Hungary is ready to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation on such fields as trade, economy, culture, education, science and technology.

    Speaking from his own experiences of visiting China many times, Medgyessy said he has witnessed the changes and achievements that China has made in its development over the past several decades. He said China has become an important factor to global economy and is playing increasingly important and constructive role in international affairs.

    Hungary is the second leg of Jia's four-nation Europe trip, which has already taken him to Romania. Jia will conclude his visit to Hungary Saturday and continue his trip to Slovenia and Croatia.