Rai meets Hungarian officials, underscores Christians role in Orient

Maronite Patriarch Mar Beshara Boutros Rai pursued his visit to Hungary, whereby he visited the Hungarian Parliament and met with state officials, accompanied by the Lebanese Ambassador to Hungary, Charbel Stephan.

Ra first met with the Deputy Premier who expressed appreciation to the Patriarch's visit to Hungary, saying it mainly aims to consolidate bilateral ties.

For his part, Rai expressed his appreciation to Hungary's great concern with Middle East countries' affairs in terms of politics and economy.

He also wished success to the economic conference to be held in November, aimed at providing economic support to the countries of the Orient undergoing economic crises, including Lebanon.

Later on, Rai held talks with the Hungarian House Speaker who assured that the government of his country grants huge concern to the Syrian security conditions, reminding that Hungary was among the few European countries which closed their Embassies in Damascus.

The Patriarch then met with Prime Minister Viktor Orban who described this visit as a "fresh start and a new impetus in terms of relations between Hungary and Lebanon." He announced his support for the positions of Rai in rejecting violence and calling for permanent dialogue and understanding policies.

The Premier underscored the importance of the Christians' role in the Middle East, and expressed his country's readiness to provide Lebanon with all the support it may need at any level.

Accordingly, Rai thanked the Hungarian support and called on the European Union to aid in the reforms of Arab countries, away from destruction, violence and extremism.