Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, has highlighted the UAE's pioneering and outstanding role under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in the embodiment of brotherhood, love and coexistence between all religions through embracing residents from different religions and beliefs.

Sheikh Nahyan made the statement at the Saint Anthony Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abu Dhabi last night on the occasion of the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of the Christ.

Present at the ceremony were Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Ali Al Hashemi, Adviser for Religious and Judicial Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Ihab Imam Hamouda, Ambassador of Egypt, the Reverend Anthony Michael and the Reverend Bishoy Fakhri, Pastors of the Cathedral Church in Abu Dhabi.

The event was attended by a number of officials, Islamic scholars, heads and members of Christian communities and members of the Egyptian Embassy and others.

Sheikh Nahyan affirmed that the UAE has an expanded cultural legacy, and developmental achievements which are the pride of every one. He also expressed his appreciation of the strong fraternal relations between the UAE and Egypt, which the Arab world sees as the country of culture, history, hospitality and the leading big sister.

He added that the UAE, led by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, is keen on bolstering relations with Egypt, adding that attending the celebration is an evidence of the strong brotherly relations between the two countries and their commitment to develop it to achieve the aspiration of the Arab Nations.

Father Bishoy, on behalf of Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, extended thanks to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, the Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, the UAE government and people.

The Egyptian Ambassador extended the greetings of the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, to the Egyptian Christian citizens on the occasion. He also thanked the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for the support that Egyptian Muslims and Christians received during their stay in the country to contribute to the aspired development in various parts of the country.
Source: WAM