Vietnam ranks Hungary’s most important partner in Southeast Asia: László Kövér

THE HANOI TIMES — Hungary regards Vietnam as its most important partner in Southeast Asia, with both countries determined to strengthen cooperation in politics, economy, education and culture on the foundation of mutual trust and a time-tested friendship.

Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly László Kövér made the statement during his talks with National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man in Hanoi as part of his official visit to Vietnam from October 18 to 22.

Kövér said that under Hungary’s “Eastern Opening” policy, Vietnam holds a  leading position among partners in Asia . The two countries share a strong bond built on mutual understanding and consistent political trust over the past 75 years of diplomatic relations.

He said Vietnam is the European Union’s largest and most important trade partner in Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, Chairman Tran Thanh Man highlighted Hungary’s role as Vietnam’s first comprehensive partner in Central and Eastern Europe and thanked the country for its continuous support in education, health and development cooperation.

He appreciated Hungary’s early ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and its concessional credit line, the largest among EU members for Vietnam.

Both leaders agreed to enhance exchanges between high-level delegations, parliamentary committees and friendship groups, while expanding collaboration in science and technology, education and training, healthcare, environment, culture and tourism.

During the visit, Speaker Kövér was received by President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Both sides agreed to enhance economic, trade and investment ties to raise bilateral trade to US$2 billion in the near future.

The Hungarian leader said his country’s parliament would encourage remaining EU members to soon ratify EVIPA and support the European Commission in lifting the IUU yellow card on Vietnam’s seafood exports.

During his stay in Vietnam, Speaker Kövér attended a session of the 15th National Assembly, paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and laid a wreath at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs.

The speaker and his delegation visited Ho Chi Minh City and the northern province of Ninh Binh, home to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Trang An Landscape Complex.

The visit takes place as Vietnam and Hungary celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, marking a new milestone in their partnership rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a common vision for sustainable development.