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Hungarian lawmaker comments on prospects of restoring diplomatic relations with Armenia

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Hungarian Member of Parliament, Chairman of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the Republic of Armenia at the Hungarian Parliament Mihaly Balla commented on the prospects of normalization of relations between Armenia and Hungary and possible directions for cooperation.

In an interview with ARMENPRESS, the Hungarian MP said he believes that at this stage, cooperation aimed at the fostering direct people-to people contacts between the two peoples can be particularly effective, with special focus on education and culture in this context. MP Balla also pointed out the economy and tourism for possibilities of cooperation.

On December 2, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Hungary made a statement about restoring full diplomatic relations. How do you see the prospects for the development of relations between two countries?

Mihaly Balla: There are historical and cultural ties between the Armenian and Hungarian peoples that are reflected by the presence of the Armenian community and the Armenian cultural heritage in Hungary. The Armenians living in Hungary historically contributed to the development of Hungary, and today they are part of the Hungarian society with special status enshrined in the Constitution of Hungary.

I am glad that quite recently, a parliamentary friendship group with Armenia was formed in our Parliament under my chairmanship. This honorable task is also important to me for personal reasons.

Notably, the parliamentary representative of the Armenian minority of Hungary is also the member of this group. I hope that similar friendship group will be formed in the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.

I am convinced that the parliamentary diplomacy and regular contacts can also contribute to the gradual improvement and development of bilateral relations. In my opinion, we have such a potential, and today, with the meeting and the joint statement of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Hungary, a new page can be opened in our bilateral relations. It is our responsibility to do our best to use these new opportunities.

ARMENPRESS: Despite this dynamic, there are still negative memories in Armenian society. What is your approach to this matter?

Mihaly Balla: As representatives of Hungary, at different levels and formats we have constantly expressed our deep regret and pain regarding the brutal murder of Armenian soldier Gurgen Margaryan. What happened then was unacceptable in all aspects for all of us, and we realize that time is required to heal these wounds. However, today we must look forward and take necessary steps towards the rapprochement of our societies and gradual development of interstate relations.

I believe that restoration of relations and creation of multidimensional agenda will pave the way to address all the issues between our two peoples and we can revive the historical and cultural relations between our countries.

ARMENPRESS: What are the initial directions that the Hungarian Government is considering to cooperate with Armenia?

Mihaly Balla: I believe that at this stage, cooperation aimed at the fostering direct human contacts between the two peoples can be particularly effective. In this context, the cooperation opportunities in the fields of education and culture can be considered primarily.

I also see opportunities in the fields of economy and tourism, as well as in the context of establishment of inter-parliamentary contacts. A special role can be given to ecumenical contacts between our Churches.

 

The article was written by Lala Hayrapetyan and Tatevik Muradyan (2022-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000080624)

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Summary Exhibition

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On August 23, 2024, the Armenian Cultural Center of Hungary hosted the opening of the summary exhibition. The exhibition was dedicated to the “Parajanov 100” collage project created during the “Armenian Youth Camp 2024” in Hungary and to the works produced during the sculpture courses that lasted for more than five months at the cultural center.

During the camp, a master class on collage-making was held, where participants worked in groups. The workshop presented the activities of the renowned Armenian filmmaker, screenwriter, and artist Sergey Parajanov, as well as his collages. This year marks the 100th anniversary of his birth.

The exhibition also had an interactive component, during which another collage was created and added alongside the presented works.

The pottery class was conducted by Grigor Murdian. The camp programs were led by Grigor Murdian and Suzanna Hakobyan. The projects were carried out at the Armenian Cultural Foundation of Hungary as part of the ESC volunteer program activities.

 

Article: Grigor Muradyan Project code: 2023-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000146422

Photos posted: Syuzanna Hakobyan Project code: 2023-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000146422

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Armenian project “In the Armenian Youth Camp”

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The Armenian Youth Camp is initially designed to encourage Armenian and Armenian-origin children and teenagers living in Hungary to meet and get to know each other. The camp’s goals include not only establishing connections among Armenians but also connecting them with their Armenian heritage.

Alex Avanesyan briefly touched on Armenian history, presenting the formation process of Armenian kingdoms, the importance of the adoption of Christianity, and other significant historical events. His speech sparked interest in the Armenian past among the camp participants.

The quiz organized by the “Urartu” theater of the Armenian Cultural Foundation of Hungary further connected the children with Armenian culture. Participants had to name or guess the names, origins, and histories of various items related to Armenian culture created in different periods shown in pictures. The project turned into an educational and entertaining game.

The workshop dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Sergey Parajanov’s birth, conducted by the volunteers of the “Armenian Cultural Foundation of Hungary,” Suzanna Hakobyan and Grigor Moradyan, sparked great interest. The workshop focused on collage art, presenting Parajanov’s works and the uniqueness of his art. It became a unique opportunity for the children to engage in creative exploration and to get acquainted with Parajanov’s worldview.

Article: Grigor Muradyan Project code: 2023-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000146422

Photos posted: Syuzanna Hakobyan Project code: 2023-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000146422

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Armenian Youth Camp 2024

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The Armenian children living in Hungary have finally met again. The long-awaited Armenian youth camp started on August 7. This year is special because our camp includes Armenian children who were forcibly displaced from Karabakh due to Azerbaijani aggression and relocated to Hungary.

Article: Grigor Muradyan Project code: 2023-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000146422

Photos posted: Syuzanna Hakobyan Project code: 2023-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000146422

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