OFFICIAL VISIT BY THE MINISTER OF IMMIGRATION OF EGYPT TO THE PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA

A visit to the Patriarchal See of Alexandria was made on Thursday, July 13, 2023, by Her Excellency Mrs. Soha El Gedi, Minister of Immigration of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Welcoming the Minister, His Beatitude expressed his joy for this visit, underlining the harmonious relations between Greece and Egypt, “which, reconciled, participate in the multifaceted work of the Ancient Patriarchate on the continent of the future, while setting a strong example, that the peoples can live peacefully under the protection of the All-Merciful God and indeed in the unifying area of the Mediterranean”, as he characteristically stated.

At the same time, he once again expressed the gratitude of the Alexandrian Church in the Land of the Nile, as well as to His Excellency the President of the Egyptian Republic, Mr. Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, for his unceasing mutual understanding towards its humanitarian and social work in general.

In reply, the Minister thanked His Beatitude for the warm welcome and expressed the Egyptian Government’s undiminished support to the Palaifate Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa, underlining its role as “a great link between our country and all African states and as a staunch supporter of peaceful creativity, progress and brotherhood between the peoples, under the protection of the Great God, without discrimination”. She also spoke about the ongoing effort of the Ministry to record the centers of Hellenism in the Land of the Nile, in order to preserve historical memory and the harmonious and fruitful coexistence of Greeks and Egyptians for centuries.

An exchange of commemorative gifts followed, as well as a tour of Her Excellency Mrs. El Gedi of the premises of the Patriarchal Mansion by His Beatitude.

Present at the meeting were His Eminence Pantelimon Metropolitan of Naucratis, Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, as well as high-ranking colleagues of the Minister.