Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, visits the Confucius Institute at Lorand Eoetvoes University in Budapest, capital of Hungary, May 9, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BUDAPEST, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Strengthening cultural and educational exchanges between China and Hungary conforms with the common aspiration of the two peoples and the long-term interest of the two countries, China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin said here Friday.

    Jia visited the Confucius Institute at the Lorand Eoetvoes University in Budapest Friday afternoon. Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is here for an official goodwill visit to Hungary.

    After watching performance and presentations by students of the Confucius Institute, Jia said both China and Hungary have long-standing history and splendid culture. He said he is glad to see that the Confucius Institute have provided good conditions for Hungarian people who want to learn Chinese, thus opening a door for them to understand Chinese culture.

Jia Qinglin (3rd R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, visits the Confucius Institute at Lorand Eoetvoes University in Budapest, capital of Hungary, May 9, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Ferenc Hudecz, president of the university, said the Confucius Institute has become the prominent Chinese language and culture center in Hungary since it was founded one and a half years ago. He expressed the wish that the school would continue to play an active role in promoting cultural and educational exchanges between China and Hungary.

    Some 300 Hungarian students are now studying at the Confucius Institute, which won the outstanding award for all Confucius Institutes around the world in 2007. Over the past 18 months, it has held over a dozen promotional events to spread the Chinese language and culture.

    Jia wishes the students of the Confucius Institute gain more knowledge about China and Chinese culture. He encouraged the students to carry on the long-standing friendship between the two countries and become envoys for friendly exchanges of the two peoples.

Jia Qinglin (L Front), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, chats with a student during his visit to the Confucius Institute at Lorand Eoetvoes University in Budapest, capital of Hungary, May 9, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Jia said the Chinese government will continue to support the development of the Confucius Institute at the Lorand Eoetvoes University, the top institute of higher learning in Hungary.

    The Confucius Institute at the university was founded in December 2006.

    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.