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“The support and representation of the rights of the Ukrainian minority living in Hungary are more critical than ever, with surveys suggesting their numbers may exceed 40,000,” said the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the #NOVAdays Hungarian-Ukrainian Youth Conference.
Boglárka Illés emphasized Hungary’s condemnation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and highlighted the significant humanitarian efforts since the war’s onset, providing aid to those fleeing conflict while recognizing Ukraine’s right to self-defense.
She noted that over one million people have crossed the Ukrainian-Hungarian border since February 2022, with over 5,000 Ukrainian children receiving education and care in Hungarian schools, and emphasized assistance to half a million Ukrainian families, including infrastructure development in Ukraine.
Illés stressed the importance of investing in the future, praising Liliana Grexa’s role in organizing the conference and highlighting the Hungarian government’s support for Ukrainian education, with an allocated budget of HUF 38M (EUR 98K).
Looking forward, she called for unity in rebuilding Ukraine post-war, emphasizing the role of youth in shaping this future.
Deputy State Secretary Zsófia Nagy-Vargha expressed hope for the conference’s continuity, citing the importance of dialogue, especially in times of conflict, and recalled past collaborative efforts in Ukrainian-Hungarian relations. She underscored Hungary’s commitment to youth engagement and community issues, emphasizing the significance of platforms like the Hungarian Youth Council.
Grexa, the conference’s initiator, highlighted the event’s aim to improve bilateral relations and foster dialogue between Ukrainian and Hungarian youth.
She expressed hope for future events in Ukraine or involving Ukrainian minorities in the Visegrád Four countries (Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland).
The conference received a warm welcome from Dmytro Krichfalushiy, First Secretary of the Ukrainian Embassy in Budapest, and Judit Petei, Head of the Transcarpathian Province Administration. Participants will engage in various activities during the conference, including visits to the parliament and other venues, fostering continued dialogue and collaboration.
Via MTI; Featured Image: Facebook / Illés Boglárka