China's Defence Minister Wei Fenghe has completed an official visit to Hungary as he continues his tour of Central and Eastern Europe. 

He will next visit Serbia, Greece, and North Macedonia in a tour designed to further cement friendly relations between the nations.

Official engagements included two days of talks in the Hungary's capital Budapest and meeting the president, deputy prime minister and defense minister.

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Hungary's President Janos Ader said through a Chinese statement that relations between the two countries had developed rapidly, becoming increasingly close in recent years. 

He also noted China's achievements in fighting the pandemic and its economic recovery after being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese vaccines were also touched upon in the meetings.

This week, a second China-produced jab, CanSino, was given emergency authorization in Hungary. The vaccine is now awaiting approval for mass use from the National Health Center. If approved, it will join China's Sinopharm, one of the five coronavirus vaccines currently being used in Hungary's program. 

A Chinese statement noted Hungary was deeply grateful for the vaccines, which had helped it fight the pandemic. It also noted both parties hope to strengthen their cooperation in several fields, including economy and trade, tourism, and military cooperation, and to promote the development of Hungary and China's strategic partnership. 

The Chinese statement also said how appreciative Beijing had been of Hungarian officials for expressing opposition to European Union sanctions on China. 

During the two days of meetings, Wei briefed the Hungarian side on China's economic and social developments. He noted that China always regards Hungary as a good brother and a good partner – saying China is willing to continue to deepen cooperation across a several sectors.

Meeting with his Hungarian counterpart, the defence minister exchanged views on relations between the two countries and their armed forces and the security situation internationally and regionally. 

Wei emphasized that the Chinese army is willing to deepen military exchanges and cooperation with the Hungarian army and push the military relationship between the two powers to a new level.

Following Thursday's engagements in Hungary, the Chinese delegation will arrive in Belgrade to take part in official talks with Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic. The tour will conclude with visits to Greece and North Macedonia next week.