BUDAPEST — Hungarian President Janos Ader said that he hoped Hungary and China will continue to strengthen cooperation on anti-pandemic, economy, trade, tourism and military affairs, and to promote the in-depth development of the Hungary-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

Ader made the remarks when meeting with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe in Budapest on March 24.

Hungary-China relations have developed rapidly and become closer in recent years, said Ader, adding that China's remarkable achievements in fighting COVID-19 and its post-pandemic economic recovery have drawn worldwide attention.

Ader thanked China for its vaccine support, which brought hope for Hungary to prevail over the pandemic.

During the meeting, Wei introduced China's recently-concluded "two sessions" and achievements in economic and social development.

China has always regarded Hungary as a good brother and partner and is willing to continue to strengthen cooperation with Hungary in various sectors, said Wei.

Wei also gave an introduction about the real situation of the construction and development in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and refuted the lies and false accusations created by the United States and some other Western countries.

China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the unilateral sanctions imposed on China by the European Union, the United States, Britain, Canada and some other countries under the pretext of the so-called Xinjiang human rights issue, Wei said.

China appreciates Hungary's firm support and righteous words on Xinjiang-related issues and other issues concerning China's core interests, he noted.

Wei emphasized that China is willing to expand and strengthen military exchanges and cooperation with the Hungarian army so as to elevate the relations between the two militaries to a new level.

Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen met with Wei on the same day.

During his visit, Wei held talks with Hungarian Defense Minister Tibor Benko on March 25. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on the relations between the two countries and two militaries, as well as the international and regional situations.