The two PMs witness the signing of cooperation documents between the two countries. Photo by VNA
Right after the official welcoming ceremony, the two PMs held talks.
PM Phuc warmly welcomed the official visit, hoping that the tour would generate a new impetus to cement and deepen the traditional ties in a practical and effective manner. Vietnam, said the host leader, always attaches importance to developing ties with traditional friends in the Eastern Europe, including Hungary (a partner of priority).
PM Orbán Viktor expressed the pleasure to visit Vietnam and lauded the achievements attained by the host country, affirming that Hungary always considers Vietnam as a traditionally friendly partner of priority and hopes to cement and deepen the multifaceted ties with Vietnam.
The two leaders informed each other about their respective countries' situation; discussed ways to beef up the bilateral ties; and talked about regional and international issues of common concern.
They were unanimous that the economic and commercial ties have made positive leaps forward, but failed to meet respective potentials and aspiration. The two PMs agreed to improve operation of the Joint Commission on economic cooperation, strengthen trade and investment promotion; facilitate business connectivity and market research especially in areas which Hungary has strength and Vietnam has demand such as water resources, environmental protection, pharmaceuticals, breeding, food processing, as well as renewable energy.
PM Phuc said that Hungary regards Vietnam as a partner of priority in ODA provision with €535 million of preferential loans including € 440 million of the “Framework Agreement in financial cooperation” in January, 2017. PM Phuc thanked the Hungarian Government for supporting Vietnam to build Can Tho Tumor Hospital.
The two leaders spent much time discussing and approving specific measures to promote cooperation in education, culture-tourism, labor, healthcare, agriculture, natural resources-environment, security, and national defence.
PM Phuc thanked the Hungarian Government for increasing the annual number of scholarships to 200 Vietnamese students in such areas as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biology, IT.
The host leader appreciated the Hungarian Government for backing Vietnam’s bid to run for a non-member seat of the United Nations Security Council in the 2020-2021 term and hailed the positive role of Hungary in ASEM and Mekong- Danube cooperative mechanism. Hungarian PM Orbán Viktor stressed that Hungary supports Viet Nam to strengthen ties with the EU including the early signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
Regarding the East Sea issue, the two PMs approved of peaceful solutions to disputes in line with international laws.
PM Phuc took the occasion to thank the Hungarian Government for paving the favorable way for the overseas Vietnamese community.
After talks, they two leaders held a press briefing; issued a Joint Declaration; and witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in finance, culture, education, agriculture, labor, IT, and establishment of twin cities between Can Tho of Viet Nam and Káposvár of Hungary.
