H.H. Pope Tawadros II received at the Papal Residence in Cairo today (Tuesday), Mrs. Katalin Novák, President of the Republic of Hungary, and her accompanying delegation, as part of her current visit to Egypt, which began yesterday.
At the beginning of the meeting, the President of Hungary wrote in the VIP visitors’ register of the Papal Residence, then she went with His Holiness to the main reception hall where the Pope welcomed his guest saying: “The Honorable Mrs. Katalin Novák, Head of State of Hungary, on behalf of myself and the members of the Coptic delegation, I welcome your Excellency’s visit to our country; Egypt. We welcome you and your accompanying delegation. I recall with great happiness my visit to your beautiful country last August and my participation in the wonderful celebration of Saint Stephen, as well as meeting you and the interesting discussions that took place between us at the time, and your interest in the issues of family, youth, children, and sound Christian upbringing.”
His Holiness added: “I also remember my meeting with some Hungarian officials, as well as the visit of Mr. Viktor Orban to Egypt several months ago, and how Egyptian and Hungarian relations developed in a positive way for both friendly nations.”
Regarding Egypt’s history and people, His Holiness said: “Our country, Egypt, has a long history and a rich civilization dating back to the Pharaonic, Christian, and Islamic eras, where we live as Egyptians in strong national unity derived from the Nile River around which we live, giving us our beloved country.”
Pope Tawadros gave an overview of the history of the Coptic Church, saying: “As for the Church of Egypt, it was founded in the first century by Saint Mark the Apostle, who was martyred in the city of Alexandria in the year 68 AD. Alexandria became the first city on the continent of Africa to gain faith in Christ, and the Coptic Church became the oldest public entity on the land of Egypt. It has a great history that is a mixture of faith, martyrdom, and monasticism. In every generation, and across twenty centuries, we find capable teachers, righteous martyrs, and wise monks.
He concluded: “We are pleased with your visit to Egypt and your country’s noble stances on international issues. We hope you spend an enjoyable time in our country and enjoy the beauty of its nature, climate, history and people.”
For her part, the President of Hungary expressed her happiness at meeting His Holiness the Pope, mentioning His Holiness’ visit to Hungary and her reception of him at the Presidential Palace.
She also mentioned that His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received her yesterday, and that this was the first time they met. She described the meeting as positive, during which a long discussion took place which revealed great compatability of views on the issues discussed in their conversation.
She hinted that the fact that both President Sisi and herself believe in God also made their conversation more compatible. She added that Hungarians and Egyptians share many common humanitarian values.
Mrs. Novák, expressed her fascination with Egyptian civilization and the Pharaonic antiquities that she saw yesterday.
She praised the coexistence between Muslims and Christians in Egypt, and the role of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II in supporting rapprochement between Muslims and Christians, expressing her support for this.
She stressed her country’s endeavor to contribute to bringing peace to all regions witnessing war, especially what is happening in Gaza. She stressed Hungary’s rejection of all forms of war, violence, and aggression against others. She pointed out that in the coming days, she will meet His Holiness Pope Francis and will call on him to make increased efforts to bring peace to all areas of conflict.
His Holiness commented: “Here in Egypt we live in true love with our Muslim brethren, and our relationship is very good and strong with His Eminence the Grand Imam, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, all Islamic institutions, the government and officials.”
Addressing Mrs. Novák, he added: “If you walk in any street in Egypt, you will not be able to differentiate between a Muslim and a Christian, except that the Muslim prays in a mosque and the Christian prays in a church.”
He stressed: “This situation distinguishes Egypt from any country in the Middle East region.”
Mrs. Katalin Novák then went, accompanied by His Holiness, to visit Saint Mark’s Grand Cathedral, where she listened to an explanation about it. She then visited the Al-Botroseya Church and learned about its history and the details of the terrorist incident which occured there at the end of 2016. She also visited the Martyrs’ Shrine in the church and lit candles in front of church icons and in the shrine. Mrs. Novák met a group of victims of the terrorist incident who were hosted by the State of Hungary for a period to receive treatment there. She had a friendly conversation with one of the church workers, who is the wife of the church worker who was martyred in the same terrorist incident.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation.
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