By Wang Ke
China.org.cn staff reporter

Former Hungarian prime minister Dr. Peter Medgyessy published his autobiography in Chinese under the title of Civilian in the field (Polgár a pályán in Hungarian or 走在仕途上的公民 in Chinese) at the Hungarian Embassy in Beijing on Wednesday.

It is the first time that a book about a Hungarian politician has been published in Chinese.

His book describes the political, economic, and social changes in Hungary since the 1960s from a personal point of view. It is also considered a milestone in political and cultural relations between the two countries.

Peter Medgyessy told China.org.cn: "Through my book, I hope to show readers a real political world. You can get a better understanding of the development of bilateral relations between Hungary and China."

He said Hungary is keen to continue to work for the development of Hungarian-Chinese relations, which are founded on a solid base. China plays an increasingly important role in international political and economic life and works in a solid constructive partnership with Hungary.

"Hungary is a major country in the central and eastern European zone. We pay significant attention to trade ties and economic cooperation with China," he said. "In fact, we are China's biggest trade partner in the region."

The Hungarian version of the book topped the bestseller list for weeks in Hungary. The book also commemorates the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between China and Hungary.

Hungarian Ambassador to China Sándor Kusai praised the story told to Chinese readers by a person who was not only a player in the events but also had an active influence on the processes.

He said to China.org.cn: "This book is published by a politician who was among the first to realize the importance of China and made huge efforts to bring the two countries closer to each other."

He believed that the publication in China of the former prime minister's book will help to promote a long-term and stable cooperative relationship between China and Hungary.

The Chinese autobiography is issued by the prestigious People's Publishing House.

Mr. Huang Shuyuan, president of People's Publishing House, said: "The book will give our readers more information about Hungary on issues such as politics, culture, and the economy."

"It is also very interesting, because there are lots of humorous personal anecdotes about the former prime minister. I think our readers will love the book," Huang said.

The two countries should also promote human and cultural exchanges so as to improve mutual understanding, he said.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Hungary, China will hold a "China Culture Festival" in Hungary this year.

Péter Medgyessy, born October 19, 1942, is a Hungarian politician and was the Prime Minister of Hungary from May 27, 2002 until September 29, 2004. On August 25, 2004 he resigned over disputes with his governmental coalition partner, the Alliance of Free Democrats, but remained caretaker Prime Minister for a 30-day period as required by the Constitution, then for a few additional days until his successor Ferenc Gyurcsány was confirmed by Parliament.

(China.org.cn May 14, 2009)