“Hungary is providing millions of euros in funding to Lebanon, which is suffering under the strain of the migration crisis, and is providing all political support in the interests of enabling the Syrian refugees in the country to return home at the earliest opportunity”, Minister of Justice László Trócsányi said in a telephone statement to Hungarian news agency MTI on 3 November 2017 following a two-day visit to Lebanon.

Speaking about his experienced during his visit to Lebanon, the Minister told the press that in addition to 4 million Lebanese citizens there are also at least a million registered and an estimated half a million non-registered Syrian citizens, as well as some half a million Palestinian citizens currently in the country. This situation is placing major strain on the country and leading to social tensions, and in view of the fact that the current situation could continue for years an increasing number of voices are calling for the Syrians to return home.

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“Hungary and Lebanon are maintaining close and friendly bilateral relations and Hungary regards Lebanon’s stability as extremely important and has a sense of responsibility, especially towards the Lebanese Christian community”, the Hungarian Justice Minister stressed.

“In the spirit of solidarity, Hungary is providing the country with 3.5 million euros in funding to help alleviate the burdens caused by the migration crisis. In addition, Hungary is also providing 1.5 million euros in funding to restore Christian churches in Lebanon”, he stated. The Minister also reported on the fact that the Hungarian Government is providing scholarships to some 250 young Syrians currently living in Lebanon, and to 50 Lebanese university students, to enable them to complete their studies in Hungary.

During his visit to Lebanon, Mr. Trócsányi held lectures at the Saint Joseph University and at Lebanon’s Supreme Court on the relationship between executive power and the judicial system, stressing that instead of conflicts, constitutional dialogue is needed between the two branches of power. Later, the Hungarian Justice Minister met with his Lebanese counterpart, Minister of Justice Salim Jreissati, with whom he concluded an agreement on judicial cooperation.

(MTI)