Sinai Liberation is long journey of patriotism, diplomatic efforts: Pope Tawadros

CAIRO - 25 April 2022: Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, greeted on Monday President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Egyptians on the occasion of the Sinai Liberation Day.

In a statement released on Monday, the Orthodox Church said: "Today we celebrate the 40th anniversary of liberation of the precious land of Sinai after a long journey of martyrdom, diplomatic and peace efforts that have distinguished Egypt all over its history. Today, the march for comprehensive development continues after the Armed Forces and Police managed to get rid of terrorism in Sinai through great and precious sacrifices".

"We pray to God to protect the territories of our homeland and maintain peace and stability in Egypt." the statement added

Egypt’s first lady Entesar al-Sisi said on Monday that Sinai Liberation Day truly represents the feast of dignity, pride, and victory of the will of the Egyptian people, who affirmed their ability to face any challenge to restore their land and rights.

She added in a post on her social media accounts: "We celebrate today the anniversary of a dear memory for the Egyptians, Sinai Liberation Day, which represents feast of dignity, pride, and victory of the will of the Egyptian people, who affirmed their ability to face any challenge to restore their land and rights. Greetings to the great Egyptian people and those who made sacrifices to restore our beloved Sinai to the homeland."

President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi addressed the nation Monday marking the 40th anniversary of Sinai Liberation, describing the peninsula as a precious portion of the homeland.

"All Egyptians hold for Sinai an eternal appreciation and view it as the pearl of the crown. Sinai will always remain a source of pride for this nation, as it is the only land in the world visited by God, and the spot chosen by the creator to inspire the first Abrahamic religion. As such, its religious and historic status is non-contested," President Sisi noted.

The chief of state added that "Sinai's unique geographical location grabbed attention throughout history, as it is the meeting point of the ancient world's continents, and the link between the East and the West."