Following their talks, the leaders witnessed the exchange of 17 agreements between the two nations.

In a joint statement on Thursday, the two hailed the elevated bilateral relationship as an “all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era” that would “continuously enhance strategic and political mutual trust” between the countries.

Speaking at a joint press conference on Thursday, Xi described his meetings with Orban as “cordial, friendly and productive” and said the two countries were embarking on a “golden” voyage.

The Chinese leader said Beijing and Budapest would bring cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries to “a wider scope, a broader field and a higher level”.

“China attaches importance to the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and considers Europe an important pole in the multipolar world,” Xi said on Thursday, adding that Beijing viewed Brussels as a “partner” for its economic development.

“China supports Hungary in playing a greater role in the EU and promoting the new and greater development of China-EU relations.”

Xi added that China and Hungary would deepen ties in economics, trade, investment and finance, push forward on a Budapest-Belgrade railway, expand cooperation in emerging industries, enhance direct flights and optimise respective entry policies.

“It is indeed a privilege and opportunity for Hungary that China has invited us to participate in the Chinese economy and play a role in the modernisation of the Chinese economy,” said Orban during the press conference.

The Hungarian leader added that Budapest valued Beijing as a main column supporting a multipolar world order.

The statement said the countries were “willing to strengthen high-level exchanges, close exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in all sectors and at all levels, including central and local governments, legislatures and political parties”.

Meanwhile, Xi pledged to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in all fields.

“This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary,” he said.

“It is hoped that Hungary will take the opportunity of assuming the rotating EU presidency in the second half of this year to promote the stable and healthy development of China-EU relations.”

They were greeted by Orban, Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok, and their spouses, according to footage from Chinese state broadcaster CGTN.

The Chinese delegation included the ministers of foreign affairs, commerce and finance as well as the head of the national planning agency.

Xi inspected a military guard with Sulyok before the pair headed indoors for talks.

In an interview with Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet published on Wednesday, Xi said the two countries’ relations were on a “golden voyage” and praised Hungary’s “independent” policy towards China.

The two countries should lead regional cooperation and face global challenges together, he said, calling for “real multilateralism” and saying the two shared “similar positions” on international and regional affairs.

Xi also urged “greater synergy” in their economic initiatives – the belt and road and Hungary’s Eastern Opening strategy – including acceleration of the Budapest-Belgrade railway, a flagship belt and road project.

Hungary is the biggest recipient of Chinese investment in central and eastern Europe, and was the biggest recipient of belt and road funding in 2022.

On the eve of Xi’s arrival in the country, the first batch of generator units was connected to the grid at a photovoltaic project in the Hungarian city of Tokaj, the first overseas investment by China’s State Power Investment Corporation.

The newly installed units are expected to reduce carbon emissions by 95,000 tonnes annually, according to CGTN.