China and Hungary are willing to further enhance bilateral cooperation within the United Nations and other international organizations, said a joint statement signed in Budapest Wednesday, December 6, between the two countries.

Signed by visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and his Hungarian counterpart Martonyi Janos, the statement noted both parties agreed that the developments on the international stage have provided favorable conditions for China and Hungary to widen and deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in international affairs, which will help maintain peace, security and stability in the Asian-European region and the world at large.

The two countries promised to continue consultation and cooperation at international forums on issues of great significance, such as stopping the proliferation of mass destruction weapons, promoting social and economic development, protecting the environment, peace, and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Lauding the bilateral relations and cooperation in history as satisfactory, the statement said that the principled groundwork and political framework concerning Sino-Hungarian ties that have been formed in past years serve the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

Their shared goal is to develop cooperation in the 21st century within the framework of sincere constructive partnership, the document said.

Acknowledging that differences exist in economic, social, political, value and human rights areas, the two nations reiterated that they respect each other's way of development, saying the differences won't affect the advancement of their relations.

The Chinese side expressed appreciation over Hungary's achievements made in economic and social development and transition, and hoped that as an important country in Central and Eastern Europe, Hungary will continue to play a constructive role in the region and Europe as a whole.

Hungary, in return, spoke highly of China's great attainments in reforms and opening-up, hoping the Asian country will do its best to maintain world peace and stability.

There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China, Hungary reiterated, pledging that it won't establish any official contacts with Taiwan.

The two nations vowed to increase exchanges of visits at all levels to promote mutual understanding and consolidate friendship.

Apart from the promise of boosting bilateral economic and trade cooperation, the two sides also encouraged cooperation between their departments of justice, security, and internal affairs to help combat international terrorism, organized crime and drug trafficking.

(People’s Daily 12/07/2000)