Rome, Italy - Maurizio Gasparri, leader of the Forza Italia center-right ruling party's Senate group, has commended Hungary's EU Presidency for its courage and commitment. Speaking on the sidelines of a peace concert organized by the Hungarian presidency in Rome, Gasparri acknowledged the numerous unfair criticisms leveled against Hungary but praised the country for its steadfast approach to its six-month term.

"Hungarian virtue has been shown once again," Gasparri said, emphasizing the hope that the concert brings for a better future. He acknowledged the challenges posed by historical events but stressed the importance of maintaining a message of hope.

The concert, held at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, featured performances by the renewed Saint Ephraim Male Choir. The choir presented a diverse repertoire, including pieces in Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Swahili, Georgian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Italian, and Hungarian.

Hungarian Ambassador to Rome, Ádám Zoltán Kovács, highlighted the concert's dedication to the innocent victims of wars worldwide, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East. He described the event as one of the most solemn moments of the Hungarian EU presidency.

Kovács emphasized the power of art to promote peace and healing. "Many may think that art can do little to combat wars, but the pandemic has shown that culture can offer hope and that suffering should not have the final word," he said.

The concert, a testament to Hungary's cultural diplomacy, showcased the country's commitment to fostering peace and understanding through the universal language of music.