Today, Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J. Rigas and Hungary’s State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and the Hungary Helps Program, Tristan Azbej, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to facilitate cooperation in supporting Christians and people of faith facing persecution, particularly in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa. This agreement strongly reaffirms the United States’ and Hungary’s commitment to defending our common heritage and promoting religious freedom around the world.

Christians are the most persecuted religious group worldwide, yet atrocities and attacks against them too often go unaddressed. Such persecution presents a threat to American security and undermines the values upon which our nation was built. The United States continues to call on our allies to join in providing life-saving assistance to those endangered by religious persecution.

Hungary has answered that call, once again affirming its place as a true leader and defender of persecuted Christians. Today’s signing once again underscores our shared values and affirms that this is indeed a “golden era of U.S.-Hungary relations.”

For further information on the MOU, please contact IRFPress@state.gov.