After the funding of 1.8 million dollars so far, Hungary will contribute an additional 2 million dollars to the renovation of 30 Christian churches in Lebanon, thus contributing to the reduction of migration pressure, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó announced on Thursday in Beirut.
According to the ministry's statement, the head of the ministry emphasized at a joint press conference with his Lebanese colleague that he came from a country whose neighborhood is at war, but the negative effects of the armed conflict in Ukraine are felt not only in the region, but throughout the world.
He said that this is also the case with the food crisis, which affects countries in a difficult situation the most, for example, you can see how much effort it takes to feed the population in Lebanon these days.
"We know that these difficulties can lead to new, larger and more serious waves of migration from the already unstable regions. We also know that these waves of migration have a destabilizing effect and are generally directed towards Europe"
he announced.
Péter Szijjártó emphasized that due to Hungary's geographical position, it constantly feels the double pressure of war and illegal immigration.
"If this pressure increases, Europe will not be able to handle it"
he warned.
He also mentioned that refugees from Syria make up about a fifth of the population in Lebanon, so the international community should facilitate the return of those affected, since their care is a great burden for the host community.
He pointed out that failure to do so, together with the food crisis, could lead to new masses heading for Europe.
In this connection, the minister announced that the Hungarian government has so far financed the renovation of thirty-three Christian churches in the Middle Eastern country with 1.8 million dollars, and now the second phase of the reconstruction program has ended, so the third can begin, in which another thirty churches will be renovated with two million dollars .
He highlighted:
"We would like Lebanon to remain Lebanon, so the Christian community here can also count on Hungary's support. Earlier, the Lebanese Christians asked us to save their churches so that these churches could save the Christian communities."
he said.
Péter Szijjártó finally stated: Hungary and Lebanon are two geographically distant countries, but they are equally interested in peace in Ukraine as soon as possible, and before the food crisis bites, which would encourage millions and tens of millions more to leave their country.
"Hungary greatly appreciates Lebanon's efforts in this field, and Lebanon can count on Hungary's support in the coming period as well," he declared.
MTI
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