BUDAPEST -- China and Hungary are good friends and good  partners of mutual trust, Chinese President Xi Jinping made the remarks  in a written speech upon his arrival here Wednesday for a state visit to  Hungary.

"I am delighted to pay a state visit to the beautiful country of  Hungary at the gracious invitation of President Tamas Sulyok and Prime  Minister Viktor Orban," he said, extending heartfelt greetings and best  wishes to the Hungarian government and people on behalf of the  government and people of China.

Noting that Hungary is known for its time-honored history and  profound cultural heritage, Xi said the Hungarian people are  industrious, intelligent, open, inclusive, pioneering and creative.

In recent years, the government and people of Hungary have been  forging ahead with determination, making impressive progress in economic  and social development, he said. "As a good friend and a comprehensive  strategic partner, we in China, both the government and people, heartily  rejoice over your achievements."

In 1949, Hungary was one of the first countries to recognize and  establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. In  2004, the two countries decided to forge a friendly and cooperative  partnership.

In 2017, the bilateral relationship was elevated to a comprehensive  strategic partnership, upgrading and speeding up the mutually beneficial  cooperation and strengthening the popular support for traditional  China-Hungary friendship, Xi noted.

In recent years, the two sides have seen frequent high-level  exchanges, deepening mutual trust, fruitful outcomes in Belt and Road  cooperation, vibrant people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and close  coordination and collaboration in international and regional affairs, he  said.

"Together, we have set a fine example of building a new type of  international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and  win-win cooperation," Xi said.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Hungary diplomatic  ties, bringing an important opportunity for the growth of bilateral  relations, he said.

Xi said he looks forward to meeting with President Sulyok, Prime  Minister Orban and other Hungarian leaders, and they will jointly  outline a new blueprint for cooperation and development, with a view to  steering the China-Hungary relationship forward in big strides and  taking it to a higher level.

"I believe that no matter how the international landscape evolves,  China and Hungary will always view and approach the bilateral  relationship from a broad perspective and a long-term view," he said.

"Through vigorous and determined endeavors, we will work together  toward the goal of building a community with a shared future for  mankind, and make our due contribution to world peace, stability,  development and prosperity," he added.

"I am confident that, with the two sides' concerted efforts, this  visit will be a complete success and usher in an even brighter future of  the China-Hungary relationship," he said.