His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt gave His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa an especially warm welcome when they met at noon on 14th January 2010 in Cairo.
“We are always there for the Patriarchate of Alexandria: said the Minister in addressing His Beatitude, in his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a meeting which lasted one hour. “Whatever you may need, we will protect you”, he said.
The Venerable Primate of the Church of St Mark, expressed warm thanks to Egypt and especially the Minister, expressing his great satisfaction that the Egyptian Ambassadors welcome him during his official and missionary visits and do everything possible to facilitate the work of the Patriarchate.
The Patriarch also noted that during these visits to other countries, as well as during his meetings with leaders of other countries, he speaks of the love with which Egypt and its President Mr Hosni Mubarak envelope the Alexandrian Church and its Patriarch, and asked the Minister to pass on his personal appreciation and respect to His Excellency Mr Mubarak.
The Minister showed particular interest in the work of the ancient Patriarchate, received information on the multifaceted missionary and humanistic effort on the African continent and expressed the respect which he himself has for the three great monotheistic religions. He also accepted His Beatitude’s invitation to visit the Patriarchal See in Alexandria very soon.
During the meeting at which the former Ambassador of Egypt in Greece Mr. Ahmed Loza and other officials were present, His Beatitude Theodoros II, gave Mr. Geit a silver Greek amphora, and in return received a book on Egyptian civilization.
His Beatitude then had a private meeting with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, responsible for Cultural Issues, Mrs. Nermin Wafik.
