Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó launched the “Future of Lebanon from a Christian Perspective” conference on Friday, announcing a new initiative to support Lebanese Christians.
“From Budapest, we are launching a mechanism to develop programs that encourage Lebanese Christians to remain in their country,” Szijjártó said. He added that the initiative aims to “create jobs and support education, healthcare and religious institutions.”
On the issue of Syrian refugees, he urged the international community to “work towards the swift return of Syrians to their homeland.”
Representing Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai – who could not attend due to health reasons – Patriarchal Vicar General Bishop Boulos Sayah voiced concern over Lebanon’s deteriorating situation.
“For ten years, I attended European council meetings, where we were assured that once Bashar al-Assad was gone, Syrians would finally return home,” he said. “Today, Assad is gone, yet this return has not happened.”
Sayah highlighted Lebanon’s struggles, citing its geopolitical challenges and youth emigration. He stressed that “initiatives supporting Lebanese Christians are crucial for their survival and help restore Lebanon’s image as a symbol of coexistence in the region.”
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