Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Sunday that national occasions represent a great opportunity to demonstrate love and closeness between the people of one nation, during a visit to St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbasiya to congratulate Pope Tawadros II on Christmas. Madbouly stated that the current year is better than previous years, noting a "tangible improvement" in most sectors. "Conditions have become much better than before," he said, adding that he seeks to share positive news with all Egyptians based on the reality of achievements in development and service projects. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the national and social role played by the Orthodox Church, under the leadership of Pope Tawadros II, in consolidating the principles of citizenship and brotherhood. Addressing the Pope, Madbouly described him as a "great national figure in every sense of the word" and offered his heartiest congratulations to all Egyptian Christian citizens at home and abroad. In response, Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, praised the government's focus on the health and education sectors, which he described as the "essential pillar" of the human development process. The Pope noted that while Egypt faces crises similar to any country in the world, the government is keen to provide ongoing explanations and clarifications of the situation to its citizens. "The most important thing is establishing peace and security," the Pope said, adding that the state's achievements provide hope for continued progress. Madbouly remarked on the regional situation, stating that despite the "grave events" occurring in the surrounding region, Egypt remains grateful for the "blessing of peace, security, stability, and progress." He requested prayers from the Pope and all Egyptians for continued improvement. During the meeting, the Pope recalled a previous visit to the government headquarters in New Alamein City with a group of Egyptian youth living abroad. He noted that the youth were impressed by the development, describing New Alamein as the "San Francisco" of Egypt. The visit concluded with the Prime Minister reiterating his commitment to visiting the Cathedral for the occasion, expressing his personal affection and appreciation for the Pope.
