Xi Jinping Arrives in Budapest and Begins His State Visit to Hungary

On the evening of May 8 local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in Budapest by special plane for a state visit to Hungary at the invitation of Hungarian President Shuyuk and Prime Minister Orban.

After Xi Jinping's special plane entered Hungarian airspace, two Hungarian air force warplanes were launched for escort.

When Xi Jinping's special plane arrived at Budapest International Airport, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban and his wife, Foreign Minister Sijardo and other senior government officials warmly welcomed him. The leaders of the two countries shook hands cordially, and Prime Minister Orban presented flowers to Professor Peng Liyuan. The saluters lined up on both sides of the red carpet to salute. Two Hungarian children in national costumes presented bread and salt to President Xi Jinping and his wife, welcoming the most distinguished guests with traditional etiquette. Students from the Hungarian Chinese Bilingual School presented flowers to the Xi Jinping couple and said in Chinese: "Welcome to Hungary". Children danced the happy traditional national dance Chaldashi to express their warmest welcome to Xi Jinping.

Xi Jinping delivered a written speech. Xi Jinping pointed out that it is a great pleasure to pay a state visit to the beautiful Hungary at the gracious invitation of President Shuyuk and Prime Minister Orban. China and Hungary are good friends and partners with mutual trust. In recent years, the two sides have maintained close high-level exchanges, constantly improved the level of mutual trust, and achieved fruitful results in co building the "Belt and Road" cooperation. People to people and cultural exchanges are rich and colorful. They have closely coordinated and cooperated in international and regional affairs, setting a model for a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary, and the development of bilateral relations ushers in an important opportunity. I look forward to meeting with President Shuyuk, Prime Minister Orban and other Hungarian leaders to jointly plan a new blueprint for bilateral cooperation and development and lead China Hungary relations to a higher level. I believe that no matter how the international situation changes, China and Hungary will adhere to a broad vision and long-term perspective to view and grasp bilateral relations, work hard, forge ahead bravely, work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, and make due contributions to promoting world peace, stability, development and prosperity. It is believed that with the joint efforts of both sides, this visit will be a complete success and promote China Hungary relations to usher in a better tomorrow.

Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other accompanying personnel arrived by the same plane.

Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao also greeted him at the airport.

On the way from the airport to the hotel where Xi Jinping stayed, hundreds of local Chinese and overseas Chinese and Chinese students gathered on both sides of the road, waved the national flags of China and Hungary, and held banners such as "China Hungary Friendship Forever" and "Warmly Welcome President Xi Jinping to Hungary" to warmly welcome President Xi Jinping's visit.