Hírek
Hungarian lawmaker comments on prospects of restoring diplomatic relations with Armenia
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)
Hírek
Armenian Cinema Day
April 16 is celebrated as Armenian Cinema Day. In 2019, the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia adopted the draft law designating April 16 as Armenian Cinema Day, and it was approved. On April 16, 2025, Armenian Cinema Day was also celebrated at the Armenian Cultural Center in Budapest, organized by the volunteers of the Armenian Cultural Foundation, Shogher Manukyan, and Flora Hambardzumyan. Armenian films and animated movies were screened, including Tzhvzhik, The Magic Lavash, 0199, Unlucky Panos, The Lord and the Servant, and Brave Nazar.
Article written by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879
Photos by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879
Hírek
Musa Dagh Performance
On March 25, 2025, in commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the musical Musa Dagh was performed at the National Theatre. It was organized by Artin Diramerian, with music composed by Ember Peter. The lead role of Gabriel Bagradian was played by Toth Andreas, while Kovach Olga portrayed Juliette. The narrator was Csizmadia Gabriella. The Havq dance group, led by Sima Ohanyan, also took part in the theatrical performance.
The play depicted how the Armenians of Musa Dagh fortified themselves on the mountain under the leadership of Gabriel Bagradian in an act of self-defense. It also portrayed the relationship between Juliette and a young Greek man, who left her behind and went to Aleppo. His betrayal was later revealed, followed by the depiction of Stephan’s murder and Gabriel Bagradian’s tragedy.
At the conclusion of the performance, the audience expressed their appreciation with prolonged applause and deep emotion.
Article written by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879
Photos by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879
Hírek
An Evening Dedicated to Armenian Writers Avetik Isahakyan and Vahan Teryan
On March 21, an evening dedicated to the renowned Armenian writers Avetik Isahakyan and Vahan Teryan took place at the Armenian Cultural Center. The date was not chosen by chance, as March 21 is World Poetry Day. The great writers were selected based on the fact that this year marks the 150th anniversary of Avetik Isahakyan and the 140th anniversary of Vahan Teryan.
The literary evening was organized by two volunteers from the Armenian Cultural Fund—Flora Hambardzumyan and Shogher Manukyan. The event featured presentations on the literary contributions of Avetik Isahakyan and Vahan Teryan, highlighting their significance in Armenian literature. Films about both writers were screened.
Poems by Avetik Isahakyan and Vahan Teryan were recited by Miklós Soros, Flora Hambardzumyan, Argine Margaryan, Anzhela Matevosyan, and Libor Laura. Additionally, songs with lyrics written by Avetik Isahakyan and Vahan Teryan were performed by Ara Ghazaryan, Anzhela Matevosyan, and Movses Ayaryan, accompanied by Shogher Manukyan (cello), Irena Martirosyan (piano), and Movses Ayaryan (guitar).
The event brought together Armenians living in Hungary to celebrate the works of Avetik Isahakyan and Vahan Teryan.
Article written by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879
Photos by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879
-
Hírek2 years agoArmenia celebrates 31st anniversary of establishment of the army
-
Hírek2 years agoMFA Statement
-
Hírek2 years agoTimes Square Commemoration of 108th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
-
Hírek2 years agoPan-Armenian school film competition
-
Hírek2 years agoPress Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan during the joint press conference with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary
-
Hírek1 year agoI was there at night! – a special theatrical and literary experience at the KMO
-
Hírek1 year agoNew Year event for children
-
Hírek2 years agoOn September 18, a concert dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia took place in the Roman Hall of the Hungarian Art Museum in Budapest, followed by an official reception in the Renaissance Hall.