Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh (R) and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Hungary hopes its relationship with Vietnam will be a pillar in the European Union – ASEAN relations in the future, visiting Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said on January 12.
At a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh in Hanoi, the Hungarian minister congratulated Vietnam on pride-worthy socio-economic development attainments in recent years, noting that his country wants to benefit from Vietnam’s vigorous economic growth and to solidify bilateral cooperation.
He underlined enormous untapped potential in the countries’ cooperation and proposed spheres that they should enhance their partnership, like health care, medicine and clean water.
Deputy PM Ninh appreciated the guest’s evaluation of Vietnam’s socio-economic development efforts and thanked Hungary for its support to his country during the past struggle for national independence and reunification.
Sharing the same view with the minister, Ninh said bilateral trade and investment at around 200 million USD is still modest despite a 15 – 20 percent surge in their trade in recent years.
He noted that the European nation’s credit assistance has helped Vietnam realise some important projects such as the Can Tho Oncology Hospital.
Hungary should continue its aid to the Southeast Asian country to implement cooperation projects that are interested by both sides, he said, applauding Hungary’s support for the building of a plant exploiting the Red River’s surface water.
Ninh also suggested Hungary cooperate with Vietnam under the public-private partnership model to effectively carry out a demographic data project which is being piloted in Hai Phong city with the country’s help.-VNA
