Vietnam - Hungary Friendship Association holds fifth congress
	Painting exhibition celebrates 70th anniversary of establishing Vietnam- Hungary diplomatic relations
	Promoting cooperation in culture and tourism between Vietnam and Hungary

Delegates at the event. Photo: Vietnamese Embassy

According to VNA, Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Nguyen Tien Thuc on March 19 presented certificates of merit awarded by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh to the HVFA and its three leaders including HVFA Chairman Dr. Botz László, Vice Chairman Col. Nagy Gyula, and Col. Imre Lajos from the Group of Hungarian War Veterans who joined the International Commission of Control and Supervision (ICCS) from 1973-1975.

Founded on April 27, 1989, the HVFA comprises mostly Hungarian war veterans who joined the ICCS during 1973-1975. It now groups over 130 members, including Vietnamese living in the European nation.

Activities of the organisation include receiving visiting delegations of Vietnamese war veterans and the Vietnam – Hungary Friendship Association, and holding cultural activities such as painting exhibitions, screening of documentaries about Vietnam, and music and fashion shows of Vietnamese national costumes in Hungary.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Thuc said thanked the HVFA for working closely with the Vietnamese Embassy and Hungarian authorities to successfully hold activities marking the 70th anniversary of Vietnam – Hungary diplomatic ties last year.

He also wished that the HVFA would continue serving as an important bridge to popularise the two countries’ cultures to increase mutual understanding and trust.

For his part, HVFA Vice Chairman Váraljai Márton affirmed that the Hungarian people always hold special affection for Vietnam. He promised to continue working with the Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary, authorities and localities of the two nations to further foster bilateral friendship.

HVFA leaders also congratulated the Vietnamese diplomat on completing his tenure in Hungary with success and wished that he would continue joining activities to step up bilateral exchanges.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Nguyen Tien Thuc presents certificate of merit to Hungary – Vietnam Friendship Association. Photo: Vietnamese Embassy

Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Hungary hit a historic record of more than USD 1 billion in 2020, reflecting the enhanced relationship between the two countries in recent years.

According to the Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary, it was the first time in history two-way trade reached USD 1.297 billion , a rise of 73.88 percent over 2019.

Of the figure, Vietnam’s exports to Hungary were worth USD 925 million, an increase of 126.69 percent.

The historic record trade demonstrated that the relationship between the two countries was growing stronger than ever, especially since the two countries upgraded relations to a comprehensive partnership in 2018.

Hungary was also among the first countries in the EU to approve the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to create a long-term and stable framework to further economic, trade and investment co-operation between Vietnam and the bloc.

In recent years, Vietnam mainly exported computers, electronic products and components, machinery and equipment, phones and components and garment products to Hungary. Hungary’s major export products to Vietnam included animal feed and raw material, machinery and equipment and pharmaceutical products.

In 2018, the two-way trade between Vietnam and Hungary topped USD 645 million./.

HCM City, Hungary expand cooperation in various fields Hungarian Consul General Szojka Éva Szivia pledged to intensify cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City in economy, education, culture, innovation and people-to-people diplomacy.

Diverse activities mark Vietnam-Hungary diplomatic ties despite COVID-19 Despite being affected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event attracted the participation of approximately 80 delegates and guests from both nations.

Hungary wishes to further strengthen comprehensive partnership with Vietnam According to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, Hungary wishes to enhance the comprehensive partnership and spoke highly of Vietnam’s increasingly important role ...