Chinese top advisor Jia Qinglin met in Beijing on Wednesday with Vice President Mandur Laszlo of the National Assembly of Hungary, vowing to enhance friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), told Mandur that the Chinese and Hungarian people enjoy traditional and close friendship, adding that Hungary was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China upon its founding.

Chinese President Hu Jintao inked a joint statement with his Hungarian counterpart Madl Ferenc on building Sino-Hungarian friendly cooperative partnership during his visit to Hungary in June 2004, Jia said, noting it pointed out the direction of bilateral ties in the new era.

With the joint efforts by the two sides, the Sino-Hungarian relationship is progressing continuously and mutual political trust has enhanced, Jia said.

The two sides' cooperation in economy and trade, science and technology, culture and education has become more active and they have become each other's largest trading partner in Asia and the eastern Europe respectively, he said.

Jia appreciated Hungary's adherence to the one-China principle and its rejection of any official contact with Taiwan.

China attaches importance to its relations with Hungary and is willing to make joint efforts with Hungary to enhance exchanges and cooperation in all fields in a bid to further bilateral friendly cooperation, Jia said.

Both the CPPCC National Committee and the National Assembly of Hungary have occupied important positions in their respective countries' political life, Jia said, noting the two sides' exchanges and cooperation are in the interest of the two peoples and will promote their mutual understanding.

Jia also briefed the guest on current Chinese economic situation.

Mandur said that Hungary attaches importance to its ties with China and regards it as the most important partner in Asia.

Hungary will make joint efforts with China to implement consensus reached by the two states' leaders and push forward bilateral cooperation in politics, economy and trade and culture, he said.

The Hungarian leader reiterated that Hungary will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy and, as a new member of the European Union, contribute to the development of EU-China ties.

The Hungarian delegation is in Beijing as guest of the CPPCC National Committee.

(Xinhua News Agency November 11, 2004)