4 February 2026
The United States and Hungary have formalised a new partnership aimed at strengthening support for Christians and other faith communities facing persecution, particularly in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.
The agreement was signed today by the U.S. Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources, Michael J. Rigas, and Hungary’s State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and head of the Hungary Helps Programme, Tristan Azbej. The memorandum of understanding sets out a framework for closer cooperation in providing assistance to those targeted because of their religious beliefs.
The move reinforces the shared commitment of both countries to defending religious freedom and safeguarding a common cultural and moral heritage. Christians remain the most persecuted religious group globally, yet violence and abuses against them are frequently overlooked.
U.S. officials emphasised that religious persecution not only violates fundamental values but also poses broader security risks. Washington continues to urge international partners to step up efforts to deliver life-saving support to communities under threat.
Hungary has responded by reaffirming its role as a leading advocate for persecuted Christians. The signing of the agreement was described as further evidence of the strong alignment between the two countries and of what has been characterised as a “golden era” in U.S.–Hungary relations.
Further details on the memorandum of understanding are available by contacting IRFPress@state.gov.
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