The naming of an avenue after Budapest in Bangkok and the inauguration of the statue of Hungarian 19th century ethnologist János Xantus are proof of the long-standing friendship based on mutual respect between the two countries, the foreign minister said on Tuesday. Péter Szijjártó expressed thanks to the local authorities at the inauguration ceremony, the ministry said in a statement. Hungary and Thailand last year celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, he said.