Macut receives leader of Coptic Orthodox Church

BELGRADE - Serbian PM Djuro Macut spoke on Wednesday with Tawadros II, leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church, pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the Holy See of Saint Mark, about centuries-long friendly ties between Serbia and Egypt.

Macut said Serbia-Egypt relations were being built on the foundations of shared interests in politics, economy, culture and science, and added that there was space to advance them further, especially in education and trade.

Macut expressed his respect for the rich history and the spiritual significance of the Coptic Orthodox Church and noted that Serbia remained firmly committed to preservation of religious freedoms and inter-religious dialogue, a government statement said.

Macut said a meeting between Tawadros II and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije was extremely important for deepening the cooperation among all Orthodox churches and that Tawardros II's visit to Serbia represented a significant moment in history and a confirmation of deep respect Serbia and the Serbs had for the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Tawadros II spoke about the role of religious communities in modern society, the significance of inter-religious dialogue and strengthening of inter-state and person-to-person relations.

He said the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church maintained friendly ties based on mutual respect and common Christian values.