Hungarian Ambassador: Hungary-China cooperation based on common ground

“Thanks to the common synergies between our government initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative, there is no wonder that we were the first European country who signed a memorandum of understanding on the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2015," said Mate Pesti, Hungary's ambassador to China, in a recent interview with China Daily website.

When talking about China-Hungary cooperation, the ambassador mentioned that the modernization and rebuilding of the Chinese-built high-speed rail link between the Serbian and Hungarian capitals is a landmark project under the BRI.

He applauded the project as it not only enables Chinese products to be transported to Hungary faster and more cheaply, but also builds closer ties between the Serbian and Hungarian people.

Pesti said he was impressed by China's fast changes. He recalled his first visit to the country 15 years ago when he was amazed by the great achievements the Chinese people made in just one year.

“Now that I came back after several years to China, it was a completely different country and different city. I could barely recognize Beijing,” he said excitedly.

Pesti attributed the Chinese achievements to the fact that the Chinese society is work-based and work is highly valued here.

“Each and every Chinese person, working men and women can be very proud of that achievement,” he said.

The ambassador noted that China has traditional culture and values, but at the same time the Chinese people are open towards the world.