Italy’s Martella praises coexistence in Egypt

CAIRO – 10 July 2018: President of Italy Sergio Martella praised the peaceful coexistence between Egyptians regardless their beliefs and religion. During his meeting with Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria on Monday in Rome, Martella said that there is no doubt that all Egyptians are united.

According to official statements by Egypt’s Ambassador in Rome, Hesham Badr, Martella expressed his appreciation to the efforts exerted by the Egyptian government, in cooperation with the Coptic Church and Al-Azhar, to fight terrorism and extremism.

He added that Christians and Muslims live in unity in Egypt, unlike other countries in the Middle East.

Pope Tawadros praised the Egyptian-Italian joint historical relations during his meeting with Martella, affirming that both governments are keen on boosting their relations.

The pope stressed on the important role played by Egypt’s Armed Forces to fight terrorism and implement a strict development plan especially in Sinai, and referred to the Egyptian government's role to re-open the churches that were damaged during the Muslim Brotherhood era after restoring them.

Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria headed to Italy on Friday, where he joined Pope Francis in Bari and prayed for peace in the Middle East.

During the Prayer meeting on Saturday, Pope Tawadros II held a prayer in Arabic in the name of the victims who lost their lives during the recent conflicts and wars in the region.

“Lord, we pray to you, that your peace comes to our hearts. Remember, Lord, all the martyrs who died for your holy name. We ask you to give peace and tranquility to all areas of conflict in the Middle East.”

“We believe and confide that prayer possesses the greatest power to take us out of any problem, resolve conflicts and illuminate our future with peace and reconciliation,” Tawadros told the Italian news agency Sir on July 4.

“Presenting ourselves together as heads of churches to pray with one voice for all those who are fighting is a great encouragement to those who have lost hope, and it also fills our hearts with love and compassion for others as we intercede for them,” he added.

In this regard, Italian Foreign Minister Moavero Milanesi expressed on Sunday his pleasure with Pope Tawadros’ visit to Italy during a welcoming party held in the Egyptian Embassy in Rome, Italy.

“Following up the conflicts in the Middle East increases our support and strong relations with Egypt economically and politically,” Milanesi remarked.