Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addressed the season opening ceremony of the Hungarian Cultural Institute in Beijing, stressing that the Government regards cultural cooperation between Hungary and China as strategically significant.

The institute, which opened three months ago, is located in Galaxy Soho, one of the most emblematic buildings in modern Beijing designed by Zaha Hadid.

Prime Minister Orbán stated that the friendship between the two countries is not based on China’s economic success but on the mutual recognition of intellectual and cultural performance.

Chinese Minister of Culture Cai Wu said developing cultural relations has always been considered important since both countries are rich in cultural traditions. He also urged the establishment of direct connections between Hungarian and Chinese art institutions.

At the ceremony, Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog handed over the Pro Cultura Hungarica Award to pianist Claudia Jang to recognize her efforts to popularize Hungarian music.

At the end of Prime Minister Orbán’s three-day official visit to China, he will be received by Xi Jinping, President of China and Zhang Dejiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

(Prime Minister's Office)