(VOVWORLD) -Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that Vietnam treasures relations with traditional friends in eastern Europe including Hungary, which the country regards as a priority partner.
 PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and PM Orban Viktor at a joint press conference in Hanoi, September 25, 2017. |
Mr. Phuc on Monday held talks in Hanoi with Hungarian Prime Minister Orban Viktor, who is on a 3-day official visit to Vietnam. He applauded Hungary’s Official Development Assistance totaling more than 530 million euros to Vietnam, annual scholarships for Vietnamese students to study in the country, and support for Vietnam’s bid for a seat at the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 term.
Prime Minister Viktor said Hungary always regards Vietnam as a priority partner in the region and backs the country’s relations with the EU, including the ratification of a bilateral free trade agreement.
The leaders agreed on the need to resolve any disputes involving the East Sea by peaceful means in line with international law.
“Vietnam and Hungary have enjoyed fruitful relations over the past 67 years. The two Prime Ministers have discussed ways to accelerate bilateral ties, particularly in trade and investment. Other areas included finance, agriculture, IT, culture, and the environment,” Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told a press conference after the talks.
 Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong receives PM Orban Viktor in Hanoi, September 25, 2017. |
At a reception for Prime Minister Viktor, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said Vietnam values a traditional friendship with Hungary and the country’s role and status in Europe. The guest praised a recent MoU on cooperation between the ruling Parties of both countries.
 President Tran Dai Quang hosts a reception for PM Orban Viktor in Hanoi, September 25, 2017.
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Prime Minister Orban Viktor told President Tran Dai Quang during a courtesy visit on Monday that Hungary will be the first EU member to ratify the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement. He said Hungary is ready to serve as a bridge linking Vietnam with eastern European countries. President Quang noted that Mr. Viktor's visit will open new prospects for bilateral cooperation.
 PM Orban Viktor meets NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan in Hanoi, September 25, 2017. |
The same day, Prime Minister Viktor met National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, who hailed Hungary’s support for the building of an oncology hospital in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho. Mr. Viktor said Hungary will invest hundreds of millions USD in Vietnam in the near future.