Xi Jinping arrived in Hungary: Orban welcomed him with open arms

Xi arrived in Hungary for a meeting with Orban/Collage 24 Channel (illustrative photos)

Chinese leader Xi Jinping began his first state visit to Hungary. It coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the countries.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán personally met the Chinese President at Budapest Airport on May 9, confirming that this visit is an important event for him. Xi Jinping noted cooperation and partnership between countries.

Xi arrived in Hungary

Hungary, which was among the first countries to establish ties with China in 1949, is now seeking to expand economic cooperation. Orbán sees potential in the Belt and Road projects and railway modernization.

Upon his arrival, Xi Jinping said in a written speech that China and Hungary are good friends and good partners, whose relations are based on mutual trust, writes the Chinese publication CGTN.

Xi Jinping's visit to Hungary will last until May 10, after which it will go to other European countries. Hungarian fighter jets escorted the Chinese President's plane after entering the country's airspace, and on the way to the hotel, people greeted him by waving the flags of both countries.

Broader Context

• The Chinese leader recently spent two days in Paris, where he pledged that China would refrain from selling arms to Russia. French President Macron welcomed Xi Jinping's statement, adding that he respects the long-standing ties between the Kremlin and Beijing.
• Emmanuel Macron also expressed gratitude to his Chinese counterpart for his efforts to “promote peace “during the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. He called on all parties to the conflicts to “declare an Olympic truce.”
• At the same time, the Prime Minister of Hungary was recently remembered for congratulating Putin on his “victory in the elections.” He assured the self-proclaimed president of Russia that Budapest is ready to expand cooperation with Moscow.
• The biggest electoral fraud in history was not the same for China. Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated the Russian leader during a conversation on the day the so-called “voting” ended.