HM King visits Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo

Cairo, Apr. 27 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa visited today His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark at the Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo. He was welcomed by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and senior officials of the church. HM the King reviewed with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II strong relations between Bahrain and Egypt and ways of bolstering them at all levels. His Holiness Pope Tawadros II welcomed HM the King and his accompanying delegation in their first visit to the papacy headquarters at St. Mark Cathedral. H e praised the strong relations between Bahrain and Egypt as well as religious tolerance characterizing Bahrain. He also lauded the kingdom's support to Egypt and Egypt's support to Bahrain, stressing the role of the Egyptian church in fostering regional peace. HM the King expressed happiness about meeting His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the church's clergies and the Egyptian Muslim and Christian people. He praised the Egyptian national unity fostered by Al-Azhar Al Shareef and the Coptic Church, the two glorious institutions which enjoy respect inside and outside Egypt. HM the King pointed out the role of the church throughout history in rallying ranks and preserving unity of the Egyptian people. He also commended the church's efforts in promoting the culture of peace, co-existence and tolerance. "Bahrain, which has known diversity, pluralism and co-existence since antiquity, always emphasises boosting the progress of citizenship and guaranteeing religious freedom," HM King Hamad said, stressing religious tolerance in Bahrain. His Holiness Pope Tawadros II presented a commemorative gift to HM the King.