Hungarian State Secretary Azbej Highlights Christian Persecution and Hungary Helps Program in Canada

Ottawa, Canada – Tristan Azbej, State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and the Hungary Helps Program, concluded a successful visit to Canada, highlighting Hungary’s commitment to supporting persecuted Christian communities worldwide.

During his visit, Azbej addressed the Cardus Institute, a prominent Christian think tank, where he discussed the unwavering faith of Christian martyrs and the solidarity of the Hungarian people in their efforts to aid persecuted Christians. He emphasized the importance of practical support through programs like Hungary Helps, which has proven effective in providing tangible assistance to those in need.

Azbej expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to engage in dialogue with Father Andrew Bennett, a respected advocate for religious freedom. He acknowledged Bennett’s significant influence on his own ministerial journey and the valuable insights gained from their discussions.

While Hungary maintains strong diplomatic relations with Canada, Azbej acknowledged existing political and ideological differences with the current liberal government. Despite these disparities, he emphasized the importance of finding common ground in humanitarian efforts and expressed hope for future cooperation in assisting people in crisis.

Azbej highlighted the contrasting approaches of Hungary and Canada in international aid. While Canada prioritizes a pro-migration stance and a feminist approach to aid, Hungary focuses on local support and targeted assistance for persecuted Christians.

He maintained: “During my visit to Canada, I had the honor of speaking at one of the country’s foremost Christian intellectual institutions, the Cardus Institute. In my address, I reflected on the profound faith of the martyrs, the solidarity of the Hungarian people, and how it is not only necessary but truly possible to assist our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters.”

Hungary has set an example through its dedicated initiative: Hungary Helps. I was privileged to be in conversation with Father Andrew Bennett, a highly respected advocate for religious freedom and someone I deeply admire, he said.

Father Bennett has long been recognized as a leading voice in defending religious liberty, and I am grateful for the invaluable insights I have gained from him since the beginning of my ministry, he added.

I also extend my gratitude to the hosts and to the Embassy of Hungary in Ottawa for their exceptional organization of this important event.

Hungary and Canada enjoy a strong partnership across many areas, largely thanks to our cherished Hungarian diaspora and the strong diplomatic ties between our nations. However, we acknowledge that there are also political and ideological differences, particularly with Canada’s liberal government, he said.

During my visit, I had the opportunity to sit down with Canada’s Deputy Minister for International Development, Christopher MacLennan, alongside Ambassador Maria Vass-Salazar, he said.

While we may hold differing views—Canada’s approach favors migration and adopts what they term a ‘feminist’ principle in international aid, whereas Hungary emphasizes local assistance, especially for persecuted Christians—we agreed that helping people in crisis is a shared priority, he further added.

In the end, we found common ground on a critical issue: improving the situation of women in crisis zones.I am grateful to my Canadian counterparts for their openness, and I look forward to future collaborations that will advance our mutual goal of aiding those in need, he concluded.

Azbej concluded his visit by expressing appreciation for the open-mindedness of his Canadian counterpart and expressing optimism for future collaboration in humanitarian endeavors.