Budapest event highlights Sino-Hungarian cultural exchanges

BUDAPEST, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Sinologists, diplomats and scholars attended a celebration at the China Cultural Center in Budapest on Thursday to mark decades of cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Hungary.

Addressing the audience, Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao highlighted the historical depth of Chinese civilization and its interaction with Hungary's unique cultural heritage. "Mutual understanding between civilizations forms the foundation of true friendship, and interpersonal relationships are key to strong state relations," he said.

Noting the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Hungary, Gong spoke highly of Hungarian sinologists' contributions to advancing bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of humanities, translation, and academic innovation.

The event featured an awards ceremony honoring distinguished sinologists for their contributions to deepening Sino-Hungarian understanding. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to pioneering Hungarian sinologists such as Eva Kalmar.

Kalmar said she hopes that Chinese and Hungarian cultural and other relations will continue to develop forever.

The Outstanding Contribution Award recognized scholars such as former Hungarian Ambassador to China Sandor Kusai, Vice Rector of Eotvos Lorand University Dr. Imre Hamar, and Honorary President of the Hungarian-Chinese Friendship Association Klara Zombory.

In his speech, Kusai emphasized the responsibility of current and future generations of sinologists to sustain and deepen bilateral exchanges. "Let's create the human resources, knowledge, love, and empathy needed to continuously develop these relationships in every sphere, from economy to literature," he said.

This event was among a series of activities celebrating the 75th anniversary of China-Hungary diplomatic ties throughout the year. In May, the two sides elevated bilateral relations to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era.