ASEAN, Hungary bolster bilateral ties

ASEAN and Hungary have discussed bilateral cooperation in expanding trade and exchanging information and experience on sustainable development, investment, and tourism.
ASEAN and Hungary have discussed bilateral cooperation in expanding trade and exchanging information and experience on sustainable development, investment, and tourism.

Cultural and education exchange was also mentioned during the meeting between ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktoa Orban and Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi in Budapest , Hungary , on August 22, according to press release issued on Aug. 23 by the ASEAN Secretariat.

At the meeting, PM Orban said Hungary wants to deepen its connection with ASEAN and East Asia , affirming commitments to promoting closer cooperation with ASEAN members and all East Asian countries.

On ASEAN’s part, Surin pointed out that Hungary ’s transformation from a socialist economy to a free market economy would provide lessons and experiences for ASEAN member states which are going through similar process.

He noted that the Asia-Europe Summit, slated for early October in Vientiane , will be a great opportunity for top leaders from the two continents to discuss and explore potential areas for cooperation.

In Budapest , Surin met with the ambassadors of ASEAN nations to Hungary , including Thailand , Vietnam , Malaysia , Laos , and the Philippines .

He suggested the setting up of an ASEAN Committee in Budapest to help tap opportunities and serve interests of ASEAN’s investment projects in central Europe .

The European Union is ASEAN’s second largest market and largest provider of foreign direct investment.-VNA

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