State Secretary Azbej, who oversees the Hungary Helps humanitarian program at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, held talks on Thursday and Friday with U.S. government and faith-based leaders about joint efforts to aid persecuted Christian and other religious minority communities worldwide.
“The purpose of my visit was to gain both governmental and non-governmental allies for Hungary’s program to assist persecuted Christians,” the state secretary told MTI, adding that U.S.–Hungarian relations are “entering a new, upward phase” under the Trump administration.
According to the state secretary, the Trump administration has repeatedly signaled its readiness to cooperate with the Orbán government in a range of areas and has shown clear commitment to Christian values and the protection of religious freedom.
He noted that President Donald Trump, in his address to the United Nations General Assembly earlier this week, echoed a position long held by Hungary — that Christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world. The president also identified the protection of persecuted Christians and the promotion of international religious freedom as key U.S. priorities.
During his Washington visit, the state secretary also discussed threats to religious minorities with Sebastian Gorka, the White House Director for Counterterrorism. He also met with senior officials from the U.S. Office of International Religious Freedom, the White House Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Office, and the Office of Management and Budget. In addition, he held talks with the president of the Religious Freedom Institute, a leading American NGO.
Tristan Azbej’s visit concluded Friday with a meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael J. Rigas.
Later that evening, in Detroit, State Secretary Azbej accepted the Humanitarian of the Year award on behalf of the Hungary Helps Program from the Chaldean Community Foundation. The award honors Hungary’s commitment and tireless support for persecuted Christian communities around the world, particularly those in Iraq.