Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó affirmed the country’s commitment to supporting Middle Eastern Christian communities during the “Lebanon’s Future through Christian Eyes” conference. Emphasizing the importance of local support, he discussed Hungary’s extensive investments in Lebanon and called for the international community’s assistance in facilitating the return of Syrian refugees to improve stability in the region.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó, affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting Christian communities in the Middle East, emphasizing that the historical context of Christianity cannot be envisioned without these communities. Speaking at the conference “Lebanon’s Future through Christian Eyes,” he highlighted the urgent security implications of the volatile situation in the Middle East on Central Europe, reinforcing Hungary’s interest in fostering peace and stability in the region.
Szijjártó underscored Lebanon’s significant role as it hosts a large Christian population, indicating Hungary’s special responsibility as a Christian nation to aid communities facing adversity and persecution. He noted that Lebanese Christians are currently experiencing challenges, making it imperative for Hungary to assist them and ensure their survival in their homeland rather than facilitating their migration elsewhere.
The Hungary Helps program has invested tens of millions of dollars to support Middle Eastern Christian communities, including those in Lebanon, with efforts directed toward strengthening these communities locally. This support includes the creation of job opportunities, educational infrastructure, health facilities, and places of worship, essential for sustaining their faith and community life.
Over the past seven years, the Hungarian government has executed 38 initiatives in Lebanon, amounting to nearly 20 million dollars, including the restoration of almost 100 historical churches. Szijjártó further stated Hungary’s readiness to sustain these developmental efforts in Lebanon.
A critical aspect of Lebanon’s future, according to Szijjártó, is the repatriation of Syrian refugees. He asserted that the political and security conditions should be promptly established to facilitate their return home, urging the international community to address this pressing matter without delay, given the deteriorating burden on Lebanon.
The purpose of the conference was to establish a mechanism for long-term support of Lebanon’s development, wherein Christian communities would play a pivotal role. Szijjártó expressed Hungary’s willingness to contribute resources and suggested that stakeholders, including the Lebanese diaspora and international partners, collaborate to formalize this support mechanism, which Hungary is prepared to host in Budapest.
Péter Szijjártó highlighted Hungary’s dedicated efforts to assist Christian communities in Lebanon, advocating for their support to remain in their homeland amidst enduring challenges. The Hungarian government has implemented substantial investment programs aimed at fostering community resilience and stability within Lebanon. Key to Lebanon’s future is the timely return of displaced Syrian refugees, necessitating collective international action and cooperation to alleviate pressures on the country.
Original Source: hungarytoday.hu
