UAE completes programme supporting work of the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt

CAIRO, 29th January, 2016 (WAM) -- The UAE Office for Social Development and Infrastructure Projects in Egypt has announced the delivery of its Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church Programme. Comprising four projects, the programme aims to provide the Coptic Church much needed social, cultural and medical assistance. Attending the launch ceremony were Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, along with Sahar Nasr, Minister of International Cooperation, of Egypt. The projects were completed in collaboration with the Cathedral of St. Mark in Cairo and include the construction of an Egyptian Coptic Heritage and Arts Centre, the Shifa Hospital in Salam City in Cairo, the Coptic Orthodox School, and the refurbishment of a Coptic orphanage. Speaking at the Cathedral, Pope Tawadros II said, "The Egyptian people have admired and appreciated the fact that the UAE has stood with Egypt. We thank them for supporting us, especially now. The efforts of the UAE reflect the history of honour and respect shown by the sons of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who loved Egypt and its people. The UAE projects in Egypt focus on social and economic returns for the Egyptian citizen, and it is evident that these projects are not just promises, as we are quickly seeing them turn into reality today. These worthy initiatives that include healthcare and access to education for the needy, and the preservation of our heritage, demonstrate the UAE's sincere support for all factions of Egyptian society. We could not be more thankful for such sustained effort and commitment." For his part, Dr Al Jaber said, "The cooperation between the UAE and Egypt is deeply rooted in a rich history of reciprocal respect and appreciation. It is a reflection of the longstanding and strong relationship established by our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The UAE leadership is fully committed to peace, prosperity and tolerance both within its borders and beyond them. As such, it was only natural to direct part of the ongoing support for Egypt toward the Coptic Church." Al Jaber added, "The UAE believes in constructive dialogue, cooperation and working towards positive change and development. Hence, we are committed to completing all our development projects in Egypt. As with all our projects, ranging from education to healthcare, we look forward to witnessing, first hand, the positive impact that this one will have on the daily lives of Egyptian citizens. Commending the UAE for its unstinting support for Egypt, Minister Sahar Nasr, said, "The United Arab Emirates’ stand with Egypt firmly reflects the strong bonds of brotherhood between our two countries. Our cooperation, which dates back to the efforts and far-sighted vision of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is an example of the continuous and constant support extended by the UAE for the wider Arab world." She added, "I extend my gratitude and appreciation to the UAE leadership and its citizens." The Pope and Al Jaber toured a photo exhibition of the 3 remaining projects, including the Coptic Orthodox School that includes 14 classrooms for boys and girls, accommodating about 560 students in the kindergarten, primary and secondary levels. A model of the Shifa Hospital was also reviewed. Built on an area of 3,210 square meters, the Shifa Hospital offers healthcare to more than 10,000 citizens living in Zakat and its vicinity. Later in the day, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber along with a delegation from the Orthodox Coptic Church, paid a visit to and inaugurated the Coptic Heritage and Arts Centre. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395290854060.html