Interview: BRI prioritizes pragmatic cooperation over ideology -- Hungarian official

BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Hungary applauds the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) prioritizing pragmatic cooperation over ideology, Balazs Andras Orban, political director of Hungary's prime minister, has said.

"Instead of focusing on ideological differences, it provides a solid foundation for pragmatic cooperation aiming at strengthening connectivity across the world," Orban said in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.

Talking about the Budapest-Belgrade Railway, Orban said the project under the initiative has fostered increased collaboration between Hungary and China and that Europe should leverage the thriving Chinese economy as a substantial market and foster stronger connections.

Decoupling from China or de-risking with China is neither practical nor necessary, he said. "If we start poisoning the relationship by decoupling or de-risking, we lose the window of opportunity."

Orban described the decoupling and de-risking as "a mistake that serves no European interest."

While the world navigates through turbulent times and traditional solutions are no longer effective, Orban advocated a new multipolar world order and effective governance.

"We need to acknowledge and adapt to the changing geopolitical reality. We should keep our doors open and promote peace and connectivity," he said. "The China-Europe discussion should not be based on ideology, but rather on creating a win-win scenario."

Expressing his willingness to embrace increased Chinese investment and economic cooperation, with a particular focus on high-tech industries such as electric vehicles and electric batteries, Orban stressed the "need of discovering new elements, not only about infrastructure but also about different fields of technology."

"We are very open to work together and figure out new boost for the BRI," Orban said, commending the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation as an opportunity "to further strengthen our cooperation by identifying more projects where we can work together."

Highlighting the importance of learning from each other, which is vital to overcoming the cultural gaps, Orban said, "I hope to see more European participants present at the next forum."