Today (Wednesday), H.H. Pope Tawadros II received Mr. Gjoro Matsuć, the Prime Minister of Serbia, and his accompanying delegation at the Papal residence in Cairo, as part of his current official visit to Egypt, which began yesterday.

Upon his arrival, the Serbian guest wrote a message in the VIP visitors’ book before beginning his meeting with His Holiness.

In his speech, Pope Tawadros said:”I welcome you and your visit to us, after we met a long time ago in Belgrade.”
He noted that the Coptic Orthodox Church is an ancient Church founded in the first century and has remained alive throughout the centuries, playing a vital role in Egyptian society.

His Holiness also spoke about how Egypt is the only country visited by the Holy Family, which gives it great significance in both religious tourism and sacred history. He said: “This visit sanctified the land of Egypt, making it one of the Christian Holy Lands alongside Palestine.”

Pope Tawadros pointed out that Saint Mark the Apostle founded the Coptic Church, and Saint Anthony was the first to walk the path of monasticism, a path followed by monks all over the world, affirming the Church’s profound role in Christian life.

He further noted that the Church serves society, both in Egypt and abroad.

His Holiness expressed his joy from his recent visit to Serbia, saying: “Although the visit lasted only a few days, it left many beautiful memories. When I returned to Egypt, I spoke to many people about your beautiful country.”

He added: “I had hoped your visit could include more of the historical and religious landmarks that Egypt is known for. The Egyptian government is very interested in the path of the Holy Family, part of which was on land and part through the Nile River.”
He emphasized the importance of promoting religious tourism between Egypt and Serbia.

For his part, Mr. Gjoro Matsuć said: “It is an honor to see Your Holiness again so soon. Your visit to Serbia was warm and memorable. You represent the value of the Coptic Orthodox Church not only in Egypt but across the entire world. The Holy Family passed through Egypt, and the Coptic Church has preserved and safeguarded Christian history. The Coptic community is a cornerstone of Egyptian society and has been a strong and influential community throughout Egypt’s history.”**

He added: “This is my first official visit abroad as Prime Minister, though I had previously visited Egypt and delivered a lecture in the field of endocrinology on diabetes.”
He also conveyed the greetings of His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije, Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

The Serbian Prime Minister mentioned he had seen the church in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital during his meeting with the Egyptian Prime Minister. Pope Tawadros responded that it was the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, which was inaugurated by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the same day as the Al-Fattah Al-Aleem Mosque. He pointed out that the Church has good relations with the President, the Egyptian government, Al-Azhar, and other Christian Churches in Egypt and around the world.

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