BUDAPEST — National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân met with Hungarian President Janos Ader on Monday as part of her official visit to the European nation. 
The visiting legislator highlighted the countries’ 67-year friendship, noting that the Vietnamese Party, State and people appreciate Hungary’s assistance throughout history. 
She applauded Hungary’s policy of promoting economic ties with Việt Nam, including the signing of a framework agreement on credit co-operation worth 440 million euros (over US$460 million). 
Lauding Hungary’s direct investment projects and readiness to provide official development assistance (ODA) for Việt Nam, Chairwoman Ngân said projects funded through its ODA were important to Việt Nam’s development. 
She also thanked the country for providing favourable conditions for Vietnamese people to integrate into Hungary. She also asked for the teaching of Vietnamese to be facilitated in the country. 
For his part, President Janos Ader praised the role of the Vietnamese community in Hungary and former students. He expressed his hope that they will continue to bolster bilateral relations. 
The two countries signed cooperation documents during Ader’s State visit to Việt Nam in 2014. He said they should learn from experience during agreement implementation to better realise those deals. 
Hungary is also ready to co-operate with Việt Nam in clean water supply, wastewater treatment and water resources protection, areas in which Hungary has experience.

Meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Ngân reiterated her request for Hungary to implement the 440 million euro deal soon, affirming that Việt Nam will send a list of feasible projects to ensure the effective use of the credit line. 

Ngân said she was glad to know that the Hungarian PM plans to pay an official visit to Vietnam in 2017. She congratulated Hungary on its socio-economic achievements and European integration, and thanked the country for advocating the early signing and ratification of the Việt Nam – EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). 

The NA Chairwoman also expressed her hope that the two countries will maintain their consultative mechanisms and mutual assistance at multilateral forums and international organisations. 

PM Orban said Hungary attaches great importance to the development of multi-faceted co-operation with Việt Nam. 

The traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries have been demonstrated in high-level meetings that have generated mutual political trust, he said. 

Hungary considers Vietnam a strategic partner in Southeast Asia, he said.

Việt Nam, Hungary strengthens relations

On the same day, Ngân held a reception for President of the Hungary–Việt Nam Friendship Association Botsz Laszlo during her ongoing visit to the country. 
Ngân briefed the guest on the talks between the two NA leaders and expressed her thanks for the support the association has made to strengthening mutual understanding and promoting friendship between the two nations. 

She said the visit was the first visit of Việt Nam’s NA chairperson to Hungary since the visit of the then NA Chairman Nguyễn Phú Trọng in 2008. 
For his part, Botsz Laszlo described the association’s work to the Vietnamese delegation, saying that it helps connect small- and medium-sized enterprises and localities between the two nations. 
It also introduces Vietnamese culture while helping Vietnamese tourists explore Hungary’s people and landscapes. 
He pledged that the association would continue its activities to strengthen friendship and multilateral co-operation between the two countries. 
Ngân underlined the efforts the association made in recent years, expressing hope that the solidarity and friendship between Hungary and Việt Nam will last amid a changing world. 
Thousands of Vietnamese people have studied in Hungary. They have served as a friendship bridge connecting the two nations. "The traditional friendship needs to be nurtured and upheld by young generations of the two nations," Ngân said. 

NA Chair visits Czech Republic

As part of her official visit to European nations, NA Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân begins a two-day visit to the Czech Republic today at the invitation of President of the Senate of the Czech Parliament Milan Stech. 

The visit is significant for enhancing bilateral relations, said Borivoj Minar, Vice President of the board of the Czech Chamber of Commerce. 

Minar noted the potential for economic co-operation between the two nations, saying Việt Nam and the Czech Republic have enjoyed almost seven decades of diplomatic ties and the Vietnamese are one of the largest immigrant communities in the European nation.

They can help build a bridge between the two countries’ enterprises, Minar said, stressing the potential for further co-operation in agriculture, transportation and food processing.  — VNS