Egyptian Ambassador lays foundation stone of first Coptic Orthodox Church in Central Africa

CAIRO – 20 April 2017: Egypt's ambassador in Gabon Ahmed Bakr participated Wednesday in the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of the first Coptic Orthodox Church in Central Africa, located in the Gabonese capital of Libreville, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his speech, Bakr stressed that the construction of the church is a symbol of unity between Muslims and Copts because it emphasizes the importance of the principles of citizenship and combating terrorism.

Bishop Antonious Markos of African Affairs also emphasized the role that the church will carry on in supporting economic and social activities to help the Gabonese people.

A number of Gabonese officials attended the ceremony, as well as ambassadors of Russia and Côte d'Ivoire and members of the Egyptian community in Gabon.

Egypt also signed the land contract of the first Coptic Church in Uganda in March, to be named after Saint Mark and Virgin Mary.