During a recent symposium in Guangzhou focusing on longevity and anti-aging cooperation, Oláh Lajos, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, underscored the profound strength and potential of Hungary-Guangdong relations, built on a foundation of high-level political support and deepening people-to-people exchanges.
Reflecting on the solid political basis, Oláh noted that the Chinese leader's visit to Hungary in 2024 provided excellent momentum. He emphasized that while economies fluctuate, cooperation in education and culture forms the bedrock of a lasting relationship. "At the center of my heart is always education and culture," he stated, expressing particular delight over the two direct flights connecting Hungary with Guangdong's key cities, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, which significantly facilitate bilateral exchanges.
A cornerstone of this people-to-people connection is the Hungarian-Chinese bilingual school, established by the two countries 15 years ago. Oláh extended heartfelt thanks to the leaders of Guangdong and Guangzhou for their sustained support, which includes establishing a "Guangdong Classroom" and repeatedly inviting students to visit the province. These visits, featuring city tours, cooking and Kung Fu classes, and cultural ceremonies, allow Hungarian youth to "feel a little bit" of Chinese culture, going beyond mere language comprehension.
The cooperation extends to education, with Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) in Southern China being the only institution in the region offering Hungarian language studies. Oláh shared his amazement at meeting students who, after just one year of study, could recite Hungarian poetry. Plans to expand enrollment and introduce double-degree programs, combining Hungarian with subjects like international trade, were highlighted as a crucial step.
This initiative gains importance as more Guangdong companies, such as Huawei and BYD, invest heavily in Hungary, creating demand for local Chinese talent proficient in Hungarian.
Encouraged by a 7.5% growth in trade between Guangdong and Hungary last year, Oláh called for continuing this successful path. "We have to do the same as we have done in the last couple of years. If we continue this way, it will work," he concluded, envisioning a future of even closer collaboration between Hungary and Guangdong.
Video script: Guo Zedong
Text: Guo Zedong
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Video & Photo: Qin Shaolong
Editor: Yuan Zixiang, James Campion, Shen He
