Abu dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the Christmas celebrations at the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church in Abu Dhabi, fostering an atmosphere of faith, tolerance, and human fraternity.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event was graced by the presence of Counselor Ali bin Al Sayyid Abdulrahman Al Hashemi, Advisor for Judicial and Religious Affairs at the Presidential Court, and Essam Ashour, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the UAE. The celebration also attracted scholars from the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Coptic Orthodox clergy, Christian denomination leaders, businessmen, members of the Egyptian Embassy, and many from the Egyptian community.
Father Bishoy Fakhry, Pastor of St. Anthony's Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, extended his gratitude to the leadership of the United Arab Emirates, acknowledging the country's commitment to tolerance, coexistence, and respect for religious and cultural diversity. Father Fakhry also expressed his appreciation for Nahyan bin Mubarak's attendance, noting that it reflects the UAE's dedication to promoting human fraternity and coexistence among various religions and cultures.
In his speech, Nahyan bin Mubarak conveyed his greetings and congratulations on the occasion of Christmas, emphasizing the importance of prayers and values that promote harmony and human dignity. He highlighted the UAE's commitment to mutual respect among followers of all religions and showcased the nation as a model of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Nahyan bin Mubarak underscored the significance of prayer and faith in building a cohesive society, emphasizing the role of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity in advancing societies and fostering global understanding. He also expressed his pride in the strong relations between Egypt and the UAE and sent a message of peace and fraternity to Egypt.
Ambassador Essam Ashour expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak for his presence and shared a congratulatory message from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Coptic Egyptians abroad. The message highlighted the UAE's role as a global model in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence and its commitment to fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
The celebrations concluded with Nahyan bin Mubarak extending his wishes for peace and harmony across Egypt, the UAE, and the world, marking the occasion with greetings of love, peace, fraternity, and coexistence.
