Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli extended on Sunday his sincere greetings to Pope Tawadros II and to all Christian citizens in Egypt and abroad on the occasion of Christmas, wishing that the occasion would bring goodness, blessings and prosperity to the Pope and to all Egyptian Christians.
Madbouli made the remarks during a visit to the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbasiya district to offer Christmas greetings to Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark.
During the meeting, the prime minister expressed his appreciation for the national and community role played by the Coptic Orthodox Church under the leadership of Pope Tawadros II in consolidating the principles of citizenship and strengthening the spirit of brotherhood among all Egyptians, saying such occasions are always an opportunity to demonstrate unity, affection and closeness among the people of one nation.
Pope Tawadros II expressed his appreciation for Madbouli’s visit to the cathedral, saying it reflects the depth of the bonds among Egyptians and embodies a spirit of fraternity and mutual affection.
He wished that the new year would be a happy one for all Egyptians and for the nation.
The Pope expressed happiness over efforts exerted by the State under President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in the different domains, praising the government’s focus on health and education as fundamental pillars of human development.
The pontiff said he had earlier visited the prime minister at the government headquarters in New Alamein City, accompanied by a group of Egyptian youth from the diaspora, who expressed their admiration for the city, describing it as Egypt’s San Francisco.
Madbouli stressed that this year is better than previous years, adding that there has been tangible improvement in most sectors.
Conditions are now much better than before, he said, asking the Pope and all Egyptians to pray that progress continues.
