ABU DHABI // Pope Tawadros II, the Pope of Alexandria, has praised the role of the UAE in promoting religious tolerance in the region.
The Egyptian head of the Coptic Church, Pope Tawadros said the country under the leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa had worked tirelessly to spread peace throughout the Arab region and the world.
He made the remarks upon meeting with Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, the speaker of the Federal National Council and her accompanying delegation, at the St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo, according to Wam, the state news agency.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 23rd Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union in Egypt.
Dr Al Qubaisi conveyed the greetings of Sheikh Khalifa and the people of the UAE to the Pope.
Pope Tawadros II expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai and to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, for the UAE’s efforts to achieve equality and brotherhood among people belonging to all religions.
The UAE’s policy of religious tolerance was based on a deep understanding of the principles of Islam, adoption of moderate values, working towards the reconciliation of religions and renunciation of violence, Pope Tawadros said.
Describing terrorism as a threat that snatched young Arabs from their families, sabotaged hope and development in the region, Dr Al Qubaisi, said the spread of terrorism and extremism were the most troubling concerns facing the world and affecting the Middle East.
She stressed the importance of collective work to root out terrorism and curb its dissemination, by spreading peace along with the need for dialogue and understanding among people.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
