Abu Dhabi: New Egypt’s charter enshrines the rights of citizenship and equality for every Egyptian, Muslims and Copts, said Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark yesterday.
Dismissing persecution of Coptic Christians in Egypt, Pope Tawadros II told a news conference held in Abu Dhabi, as neighbours at home, partners at work, friends in schools and colleges, Muslims and Christians have been living in harmony for more than 14 centuries. “But some problems between Copts and Muslims pop up from time to time. The new constitution will help solve these problems, so that justice and peace prevail,” the Coptic Pope said, winding up a several days visit to the UAE.
It is the first time Pope Tawadros II has visited the UAE and it is the first time he has conducted mass in an Arab country outside Egypt since he became leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria in November 2012.
The visit by the Pope, which began Friday upon invitation from President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al NAhyan is also a gesture of recognition for the country’s support for Egypt in its current political transition.
Pope Tawadros hailed the UAE’s stand under the wise leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in backing the Egyptian people after the June 30 revolution.
“I’ve come to give thanks to the UAE, Their Highnesses, the government and the people of the UAE for the strong support they provide to Egypt during these days,” Pope Tawadros said.
He stressed that his visit to the UAE projects the fondness between the people of the two countries.
He added that Shaikh Khalifa is walking the same road and with the same values as the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The UAE was among Gulf states that backed changes in Egypt last summer and pledged billions of dollars in aid packages to Cairo in a bid to shore up its flagging economy.
On Sunday, Pope Tawadros inaugurated the altar in Mar Mina Church, located in the port town of Jebel Ali, and led the church service.
Pope Tawadros II urged Egyptians to vote in upcoming presidential elections, due to begin Thursday for Egyptians living abroad. Elections will start back home on May 26-27.
“I ask each citizen, Christian or Muslim, to vote in the election and contribute to building a new prosperous country,” Pope Tawadros said.
The elections will feature two candidates – ex-army chief Abdul Fattah Al Sissi and leftist politician Hamdeen Sabahi.
Ehab Imam Hamouda, Egypt’s Ambassador to the UAE, said that the historical visit carries many messages, on top of which is giving thanks to the leadership of the UAE and its people on the historical position of the UAE in supporting Egypt as it moves towards prosperity, security and stability.
