The Hungarian Government regards “succeeding in the homeland” as an optimal goal, said Tristan Azbej on Friday to “Hetek” one of the online portals in Hungary this week. According to the Deputy State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians, the United States government has abandoned the harmful and inhumane custom of concealing the suffering of some communities in the world — which is still a characteristic feature of international diplomacy. He explained that we must strive hard to ensure that everyone has the freedom to exercise their faith.

Tristan Azbej gave an interview to the Hungarian online portal Hetek. Referring to the Washington Conference on Freedom of Religion, he noted as significant the fact that the conference had been organised by the United States Department of Foreign Affairs. The most important message it conveys is that freedom of conscience and religion is a fundamental human right, and as it is being violated in many parts of the world,

“We must strive hard to ensure that everyone has the freedom to practice  their faith!” he said.

The Deputy State Secretary mentioned that one of the regional follow-up conferences could possibly be held in Hungary at a later date.  He also mentioned that there is now significant recognition for the efforts being made by Hungary in the “Hungary Helps” programme and it is now being frequently discussed in America. During the conference and bilateral discussions led by Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, it was emphasised that Hungary does not help the suffering communities through large organisations, but through direct routes and according to real needs. This method guarantees that aid reaches the appropriate people and achieves its proper purpose.

The Hungarian Government regards “succeeding in the homeland” as an optimal goal.

The minister went on to say: “We like to exhibit problems honestly. When Christians are persecuted, we talk about Christian persecution; when a Jazidian ethnic group is persecuted, then we talk about that.” He also mentioned that in Hungary:

“We dare to speak out and say that  Christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world”

The politician was asked about his meeting with Jared Kushner. (Firstly reported by S4C.News) In his reply he explained that: “The Senior Advisor to the US President knows about the operations of ‘Hungary Helps’  in Northern Iraq in detail, and about which he congratulated us.” The Senior Advisor suggested that the Hungarian mission should be working in collaboration with their US counterpart in the area. As Tristan Azbej said, “It is most encouraging that news of our uncommon and sometimes misunderstood hard work has reached the corridors of the White House.”

During the interview, the Deputy State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians also pointed out that the Hungarian financed project for the rebuilding of Telskuf, an Iraqi settlement, is now considered to be a prototype programme by the US Government. He explained that Hungary had already invested approximately 16 million dollars into aid and support projects since its launch in November 2016.