Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo Thursday pledged China's readiness to further develop the relations with Hungary.

"The Chinese government has always attached great importance to developing friendly ties with Hungary," Dai said in a meeting with visiting former Hungarian Prime Minister Medgyessy Peter.

He said China sees Hungary as a good friend and partner in the European Union, adding China is ready to make joint efforts with Hungary to further develop bilateral ties.

He also briefed the Hungarian guests on the latest situation in the quake-hit Sichuan Province and the great relief efforts that have been made by the Chinese government and people, saying China thanked for the Hungarian government's sympathy and condolences over the massive disaster.

Medgyessy said the Hungarian government and people were in deep grief and sympathy over the severe casualties and economic losses in the quake disaster.

He said that as a good friend of the Chinese people, he would continue to make efforts to promote the development of friendly and cooperative ties between Hungary and China.

Medgyessy and his delegation are invited by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs for a visit to China.

(Xinhua News Agency May 23, 2008)