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On December 6, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hosted a summit meeting and other events with H.E. Mr. Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
The two leaders attended a salute and guard of honor ceremony, followed by a summit meeting. Afterwards, the leaders held a signing and exchange of documents ceremony and a joint press announcement.
 
Lastly, the Prime Minister hosted a banquet at the Prime Minister's Official Residence and said in his address,
 
“I extend a heartfelt welcome to Prime Minister Orbán on his first visit to Japan in six years. We held an in-depth exchange of views during our meeting earlier. This evening, I would like to invite you to relax and enjoy Japanese cuisine to your heart’s content.
 
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Hungary. This has been a very fruitful year, with many high-level visits between our two countries, including the visit by Her Imperial Highness Princess Kako to Hungary in September and the visit by President Áder and his wife to Japan for the Sokui-no-rei, Ceremonies of the Accession to the Throne. I express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality, including the lighting ceremony that was conducted on the last day of the visit by Her Imperial Highness, thanks to the kindness of the Municipality of Budapest, at Elisabeth Bridge over the Danube River, illuminating the flags of both our countries.
 
The roots of the people of Hungary are in Asia. In terms of language, it is the only country in Europe to write last names first, just as we do in Japan. We are also similar in our love of large hot springs. Our people feel affinity to Hungary because of the fact that it has long been a friend of Japan and both people share the traits of diligence and honesty; Many Japanese companies entered Hungary immediately after its democratization, including Suzuki, which has become the favored car brand of people throughout the country. Japan is also the largest source in Asia of foreign investment in Hungary. In the field of music as well, there are many fans in Japan of composers such as Liszt, Bartok, and Kodaly. In May, the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, led by Kenichiro Kobayashi, who is here today, performed in Japan, fascinating many Japanese people. Even though we are far apart geographically, we are close in our hearts. That is the reason why our mutual exchanges have flourished in such a wide range of fields, including the economy and culture.
 
At tonight’s banquet, many leaders, who are supporting the relationship between Japan and Hungary in a variety of fields, are joining us. The friendly relations we have today exist thanks to all of you. I want to use this opportunity to express my gratitude for your efforts, and to ask for your continued support moving forward.
 
Next year, we will host the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. A moment ago, Prime Minister Orbán told me that Hungary actually has 170 gold medals, more than the total number held by Japan. I hope that the athletes from Hungary perform very well next year too, and win many more gold medals. That said, I hope that Japan can win numerous gold medals as well, and close the gap with Hungary. 
 
Now, I would like to raise a toast, to the continued success of Prime Minister Orbán and everyone in attendance tonight, and to the continued development of Japan-Hungary relations.”