Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to support Christian communities in Lebanon, emphasizing the region’s stability as crucial for Central European security. He highlighted the challenges faced by Lebanese Christians and outlined Hungary’s extensive aid programs. Szijjártó advocated for the return of Syrian refugees while calling for international cooperation to create a development mechanism for Lebanon.
The Hungarian government remains committed to aiding Christian communities in the Middle East, as highlighted by Péter Szijjártó, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, during the conference titled “Lebanon’s Future through Christian Eyes.” He emphasized the urgency of the region’s stability, asserting that Lebanon’s situation significantly influences Central European security.
Szijjártó reiterated Hungary’s responsibility to support Christian communities globally, especially those in peril. He pointed out that Lebanese Christians are currently facing considerable challenges and that it is crucial to alleviate their suffering while enabling them to remain in their homeland, rather than being forced to migrate.
The Minister spoke about the “Hungary Helps” program, which has devoted tens of millions of dollars to assist Christian communities in Lebanon. He stressed the importance of providing necessary resources such as jobs, schools, hospitals, and churches to fortify these communities. Over the past seven years, Hungary has initiated 38 development projects in Lebanon, totaling nearly 20 million dollars, including the restoration of around 100 ancient Christian churches.
Szijjártó identified the return of Syrian refugees as a key factor for the future of Christianity in Lebanon. He urged the international community to facilitate the repatriation of displaced Syrians, stating that adequate political, security, and economic conditions must be established. He advocated for open dialogue on this matter to alleviate Lebanon’s burdens.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister expressed the intent of the conference to establish a sustainable development mechanism for Lebanon, with Christian communities playing a central role. He called for collaboration from the Lebanese diaspora, businesses, organizations, and international partners, offering Budapest as the prospective host for this supportive mechanism.
In summary, the Hungarian government, under the leadership of Péter Szijjártó, emphasizes the importance of supporting Christian communities in Lebanon as a strategy to enhance regional stability in Central Europe. Through their initiatives, Hungary seeks to create sustainable living conditions for these communities, ensuring that they can remain in their homeland while addressing the ongoing challenges posed by the current political climate. The call for international collaboration underscores Hungary’s commitment to long-term support for Lebanon’s development.
Original Source: hungarytoday.hu
