Vietnam and Hungary have issued a joint statement during President Truong Tan Sang’s visit to the European country from September 15-17, pledging to further expand and deepen the traditional friendship and all-around cooperation that has existed between the two countries over the past 60 years.

Hungarian President Ader Janos affirmed that Vietnam is one of the most important ASEAN partners of Hungary . He praised Vietnam ’s increasing role in the region and the world on the back of significant economic growth and an active and proactive diplomatic policy on the basis of multilateralisation.

He expressed wish that Vietnam, as the coordinator of ASEAN-EU dialogue relations, will work as a bridge to strengthen relations between his country and ASE AN member nations.

President Sang appreciated Hungary’s initiative in its capacity as Rotating Chair of Visegrad group, known as V4, on coordinating policies between the V4 and ASE AN member states, including Vietnam, as well as on promoting cooperation between the two groups in many aspects.

Both sides affirmed their commitment to enhancing experience sharing, policy coordination, as well as working closely together at regional and international forums on issues related to traditional and non-traditional security. They shared the view that disputes among nations must be settled by peaceful measures in line with international law and practices.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at economic-trade and investment cooperation over the past time and agreed to bolster links to effectively tap each nation’s potential and strength.

Vietnam asked that Hungary consider granting Official Development Assistance capital to a number of projects in fields of Vietnam ’s urgent need including environment and public health, among others.

The two sides were unanimous that cooperation on nuclear power, water resource management, health care, education and agriculture will be new focus in bilateral economic ties in the time to come.

Added to this, both host and guest also pledged all possible support for the Vietnamese community in Hungary and Hungarian people living in Vietnam so that they can contribute to Vietnam-Hungary friendship and economic-trade ties.-VNA