President Truong Tan Sang has affirmed that Vietnam, in its foreign policy, always attaches importance to consolidating and developing the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with its traditional friends, including Hungary.

President Sang made the statement at talks with his Hungarian counterpart Ader Janos on September 16 during his first State visit to the European country.

During the talks, the two sides informed each other of the situation of each country, and exchanged views on issues related to bilateral relations.

On behalf of the Vietnamese State and people, President Sang thanked the Hungarian people for their valuable and effective support for Vietnam during its past struggle for national independence and the current national construction and defence.

He spoke highly of achievements gained by the Hungarian people during the country’s national modernisation and European integration, and expressed his wish that Hungary would reap more fruits in its national development.

President Ader Janos affirmed that Hungary wants to continue strengthening and consolidating the traditional friendship and long-term and all-round cooperation between the two countries and their peoples.

Both sides agreed that despite positive development, the two countries’ economic and trade cooperation has yet to meet their potential and expectations.

They discussed and agreed on major directions and measures to effectively tap the two countries’ potential and strengths in an effort to lift their cooperation, especially in agriculture, education, trade, pharmaceuticals, environment, culture and training of atomic energy experts, to a new height.

The two leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern, and agreed to continue intensifying their coordination at international organisations and forums.

They expressed belief that President Sang’s visit will open up a new page in the history of the two countries’ more than six-decade relationship, contributing to further developing their friendship and multi-faceted cooperation for the interests of their peoples, as well as for peace and stability in the region and the world at large.

After the talks, the two leaders issued a joint statement and witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation agreements. They also held a meeting with international media.

The same day, President Sang and his entourage paid floral tribute to Hungarian heroes at the Heroes’ Square in Budapest.

He also met the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnamese community in Hungary, during which he affirmed that the Party and State always consider overseas Vietnamese an inseparable part of the nation, and an important resource for its development and prosperity.-VNA