Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), highlighted the rapid growth of the bilateral relations, noting that the mutual respect and support the two countries provide for each other are the "valuable treasure" which needs to be very much cherished.

    China will make joint efforts with the Hungarian side to step up the bilateral partnership to a higher level, Wu stressed.

    China and Hungary share prospects of the bilateral cooperation in these fields and China highly values the work on the technological innovation, energy saving and environmental protection, which is an inner need for China to continue to develop, as well as a demonstration of China's being responsible for the world, Wu noted.

    Solyom, expressing his appreciation to the achievement made by China during its economic and social construction process, pledged that Hungary will continue to boost its ties with China in fields such as science and technology, education, environment and tourism.

    Hungary welcomes more Chinese businessmen to expand investment in the country, the Hungarian president said, expressing the hope the two sides could consolidate exchange and cooperation through various approaches in an aim to increase mutual understanding.

    As a guest of Hungary's House Speaker Szili Katalin, Wu arrived in Budapest on Tuesday afternoon. It is the first time for a Chinese top legislator to visit the East European nation.

    Hungary is the second leg of Wu's three-nation tour to Africa and Europe, which will also take him to Poland. Prior to Hungary, Wu already paid a successful visit to Egypt.