Pope Tawadros congrats on 50th ’versary

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 4: The Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Apostolic See of St. Mark the Evangelist His Holiness Pope Tawadros II congratulated Egyptians as well as all Arabs on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Sixth of October War and the great victory achieved at the hands of the Egyptian army. In telephone statements with Arab Times reporters, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II said, “I offer my sincere congratulations to the Egyptian people on the occasion of the anniversary of this glorious day. In fact, it was not only glorious for Egypt but also for the entire Arab world, because of the Arab cohesion witnessed in the victory, which was unique and one of the reasons for the victory.”

Recalling the high morale witnessed during the period of war and its victories, he said, “The month of October represents victory and superiority, which prompts us to adhere to the October spirit of building our homelands and enhancing Arab solidarity and cohesion in the face of the crises the world is now enduring.”

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II extended his appreciation and gratitude to the Egyptian Armed Forces, led by President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi, and saluted all statesmen who work to protect its lands. He also saluted “the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our dignity and elevation”. He revealed that Kuwait has a special place in his heart, especially since Kuwaiti-Egyptian relations go deep into history, both on the popular and official levels.

Highlighting that the two brotherly people and countries Egypt and Kuwait are united by one fate, which was clearly evident in the October War, with the participation of the Kuwaiti army with a full brigade from the 1976 war until victory, he affirmed that Kuwait presented the most wonderful images of Arab solidarity and cohesion by presenting 42 martyrs on the land of Sinai. Appreciating Kuwait’s position and its constant support towards Egypt and its people in difficult situations and times of adversity, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II stressed that Egypt is this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the October War, during which Egyptian blood was united with the blood of its Arab brothers, adding, “We always remember the stance of our Arab brothers and sisters with us at that time.”

He praised the high level of democracy in Kuwait, as well as openness, freedom of the press and expression, and religious tolerance. His Holiness Pope Tawadros II said the first Egyptian church that was built outside Egypt was in the Gulf region, specifically in Kuwait in the 1960s. He also expressed his gratitude to the people of Kuwait for embracing the large Egyptian community, and for the popular and fraternal cohesion between the two countries at the level of political leadership, which is an example to be followed in relations between countries.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II explained that this is not strange for the people of Kuwait, who have been endowed with love, tolerance and generosity since ancient times, adding that the members of the Egyptian community consider Kuwait as their second country and live there with the utmost security, safety and reassurance. He stressed that the youth are the energy and vitality of the nation, and any service provided to them must be appropriate. His Holiness Pope Tawadros II said the symposium came in conjunction with the October celebrations, especially since a large sector of the youth did not witness the events, revealing that he was in the second year at the university during the October War period.

By Bassam Al-Qassas
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff