Hungary is dedicated to supporting Christian communities in Lebanon, as highlighted by Péter Szijjártó during the “Lebanon’s Future through Christian Eyes” conference. The government aims to empower these communities locally while facilitating the return of Syrian refugees. Investments in infrastructure and the restoration of churches are central to Hungary’s initiatives, with ongoing discussions about establishing a long-term support mechanism.
Support for Christian communities in the Middle East remains a crucial policy for the Hungarian government, as articulated by Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. During the conference, “Lebanon’s Future through Christian Eyes,” Szijjártó emphasized the significant implications of the Middle Eastern situation for Central European security, hence Hungary’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in that region.
The Minister highlighted Lebanon’s pivotal role, noting its considerable Christian population. He underscored Hungary’s moral obligation as a Christian nation to extend support to Christian communities worldwide, particularly those enduring persecution. “Unfortunately, the Christians in Lebanon are also facing difficulties. Therefore, it is an important goal of ours to help, to maintain assistance to Christian communities in Lebanon,” stated Szijjártó.
Szijjártó outlined that assistance should aim to empower Christian communities to remain in their homeland rather than facilitating their exodus. He referenced Hungary’s “Hungary Helps” initiative, which has invested millions in supporting Christian communities in Lebanon and the wider Middle East. “This goal requires investment to create jobs. It needs schools, it needs places for children to learn. It needs social and health institutions. And we need churches so that people can live their faith,” he asserted.
The Minister further shared that over the last seven years, Hungary has launched 38 development initiatives in Lebanon, amounting to approximately $20 million, including the restoration of nearly 100 historic Christian churches. He reiterated Hungary’s readiness to sustain and expand these efforts. A critical consideration for Lebanon’s future, as per Szijjártó, hinges on the timely return of Syrian refugees to their home country.
He remarked, “Now Assad is gone, so I think it is time for the international community to facilitate the return of Syrians who have been displaced to Lebanon.” The Minister stressed the necessity to cultivate favorable political, security, and economic conditions to ease this burden on Lebanon. The aim of the conference is to establish a long-term development mechanism, primarily benefitting the Christian communities.
Szijjártó expressed hope that this mechanism would see contributions from various stakeholders, including the Lebanese diaspora and international entities. He concluded by stating Hungary would be willing to host the secretariat to support this ambitious initiative in Budapest.
In summary, Hungary remains committed to supporting Christian communities, particularly in Lebanon, as part of its broader foreign policy aimed at enhancing regional stability. The government emphasizes empowering local communities to thrive while facilitating the return of displaced persons. The efforts include significant financial contributions and development projects aimed at fortifying these communities and ensuring their continuity in Lebanon.
Original Source: hungarytoday.hu
