BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday extended congratulations to Andras Baka on his assuming the office as Hungary's president.

In his message, Xi said Hungary, one of the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China, shares a long-standing traditional friendship with China.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 77 years ago, both countries have always adhered to mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and achieved remarkable results in collaboration across various fields, he said.

Xi said he attaches great importance to developing China-Hungary ties and stands ready to work with Baka to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen mutual political trust and practical cooperation in all areas, and promote the steady and long-term development of the all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era between China and Hungary, so as to better benefit the two peoples.■