Ambassador Nabila Makram, Minister of State for Migration and Foreign Affairs of Egypt, met with the Council of Bishops and representatives of the Eastern Apostolic Churches in Australia and New Zealand. The Minister of Immigration praised the delegation for visiting injured following Minya terrorist attack that targeted Christian families in a strong message to support the country in its fight against terrorism.
The Minister of Immigration expressed her deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and injuries resulting from this tragedy, sowing her solidarity with all those affected and their families due to this painful incident, especially after the deaths of children, noting at the same time that Egypt is able with it’s children at home and abroad to go through any challenges with their strong unity.
On the first visit to Egypt, the delegation of the Archdiocese and representatives of the Eastern Apostolic Churches in Australia and New Zealand including Archbishop Robert Ribat, Patron of Diocese of the Melkite Catholic Church in Australian and New Zealand , Antoine Charbel Tarbieh, Patron of the Maronite Diocese of Australia, Anba Daniel of Sydney Bishop of Coptic Orthodox church and Julian Portius Metropolitan of Latin America In Hobart Australia, Higazon Nagarian, Archbishop of Armenian Orthodox church in Australia and New Zealand, Monsignor Basil Sousanian, Pastor of the Armenian Catholic Church in Australia, and Father Elie Nakhoul, the Lebanese correspondent and media officer of the Council, The Council of Bishops visited the Arab Republic of Egypt under the slogan “Solidarity against terrorism and supporting the message of coexistence between the people of one nation”
The visit of the Council to Egypt which was prepared after Palm Sunday attacks to support the unity of the Egyptian people and territorial integrity, and stressing on the importance of coexistence between Christians and Muslims, and invite everyone and encourage them to strengthen their faith in one God from whom only we derive all love, peace and hope and to express their solidarity with the Egyptian people and to support His Holiness Pope Twadros II and all the clergy and worshipers of the Coptic Orthodox Church, especially the injured and the families of the victims of terrorism, and to pray together, Catholic and Orthodox, for peace in Egypt and the countries of the Middle East.
At the meeting, the delegation presented a $ 100,000 grant to Christian and Islamic families affected by terrorist attacks in Sinai.