Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has visited China and discussed the situation in Ukraine with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China's Foreign Ministry says that during their talks on Monday, Xi "expressed appreciation for Orban's efforts in promoting the political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis."
The ministry also quoted Xi as saying that "an early ceasefire and a political settlement are in the interests of all parties" and "the basic propositions of China and Hungary and the direction of their efforts are the same."
The president also said, "China is willing to stay in communication with Hungary and all relevant parties."
Orban posted on his social media account that China is a key power in creating the conditions for peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the European Union this month. Orban is known for his pro-Russian stance.
Orban's visit to China came after he traveled this month to Ukraine and Russia for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Vladimir Putin, respectively.
When Orban met Putin, the Ukrainian government expressed displeasure. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized his visit, saying "appeasement will not stop Putin."