Hungarian President Pal Schmitt (2nd R) and visiting State Councilor of China Dai Bingguo (3rd L) attend a meeting in Budapest, Hungary, on May 13, 2011. The second round of China-European Union strategic dialogue was held here on Thursday with the two sides having exchanged views on a wide range of issues. [Xinhua]

In response, Dai said Hungary is one of the earliest countries that recognized China. In the past 20 years, China and Hungary have been in very good relations although international situation has changed greatly.

Dai said China attaches great importance to relations with Hungary, noting that the two countries have had good cooperation in finance, transport, aviation and fundamental installations.

China is willing to further its cooperation with Hungary in the fields of, among others, politics, economy and culture, he said, adding that China is full of confidence in the future development of Sino-Hungarian relations.

Dai, former Chinese ambassador to Hungary in 1989-1991, and Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, co-chaired the second round of China-EU strategic dialogue at Godollo, some 30 kms away from Budapest.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying and Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gao Jian were present at the meetings between Dai and Hungarian leaders.

Currently, Hungary assumes EU's rotating presidency.