Visiting President Truong Tan Sang made the assurance during talks with his Hungarian counterpart Janos Ader in Budapest on September 16.

He thanked Hungarian people for their effective and valuable assistance to Vietnamese people during their past struggle for national independence and unification and the current cause of national defence and development.

The two Presidents reviewed a guard of honour in Budapest on September 16

Hungary established diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1950. Despite political upheavals in the early 1990s, it has maintained close friendship with Vietnam.

When Vietnam struggled against foreign aggression several decades ago, Hungarian people launched the movement “Vietnam, we are always with you” by donating blood and materials to the Southeast Asian nation.

It joined an international committee overseeing the implementation of the 1973 Paris Peace Accord in Vietnam, trained nearly 3,500 scientists and engineers, and wrote off debts Vietnam owed before 1973.

President Sang spoke highly of the achievements Hungarian people have made in national modernisation and European integration, and wished them greater success in national development.

For his part, President Janos Ader told President Sang that Hungary wants to strengthen traditional friendship, and long-term, multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam.

Both sides agreed to increase bilateral cooperation, especially in economics and trade

Both host and guest noted with satisfaction the positive development of bilateral ties over the years, but said economic and trade cooperation has yet to live up to the two countries’ expectations.

They discussed measures to increase bilateral cooperation in agriculture, education, the training of atomic energy experts, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, the environment and culture.

They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, and agreed that Vietnam and Hungary will increase cooperation at international organisations and forums.

They expressed the belief that President Sang’s first-ever visit to Hungary will open up a new chapter in bilateral relations, contributing to boosting friendship and all-round cooperation between the two countries.

After the talks, the two Presidents released a Vietnam-Hungary joint statement.

President Sang and senior Hungarian leaders witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement on training, research, legislation and technology regarding the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes, a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between capitals Hanoi and Budapest, and a cooperation agreement on water management.

Earlier the same day, President Sang gave tasks to the ambassador and staff at the Vietnamese Embassy in Budapest. 

President Sang began a three-day visit to Hungary on September 15 at the invitation of President Janos Ader.